Water combustion technology - methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the combustion of Hydrogen and Oxygen

ABSTRACT

This invention presents improved combustion methods, systems, engines and apparatus utilizing H 2 , O 2  and H 2 O as fuel, thereby providing environmentally friendly combustion products, as well as improved fuel and energy management methods, systems, engines and apparatus. The Water Combustion Technology; WCT, is based upon water (H 2 O) chemistry, more specifically H 2 O combustion chemistry and thermodynamics. WCT does not use any hydrocarbon fuel source, rather the WCT uses H 2  preferably with O 2  and secondarily with air. The WCT significantly improves the thermodynamics of combustion, thereby significantly improving the efficacy of combustion, utilizing the first and second laws of thermodynamics. The WCT preferably controls combustion temperature with H 2 O and secondarily with air in the combustion chamber. The WCT preferably recycles exhaust gases as fuel converted from water. The WCT minimizes external cooling loops and minimizes exhaust and/or exhaust energy, thereby maximizing available work and internal energy while minimizing enthalpy and entropy losses.

RELATED APPLICATION DATA

This application is a divisional application of Ser. No. 10/790,316 filed Mar. 1, 2004, which is a continuation of PCT/US03/11250 filed Apr. 10, 2003. This application claims priority of Ser. No. 10/790,316 filed Mar. 1, 2004; PCT/US03/11250 filed Apr. 10, 2003; PCT/US03/41719 field Oct. 11, 2003; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/371,768 filed Apr. 11, 2002; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/379,587 filed May 10, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/404,644 filed Aug. 19, 2002 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/447,880 filed Feb. 14, 2003.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to improved combustion, methods, processes, systems and apparatus, which provide environmentally friendly combustion products, as well as to fuel and energy management methods, processes, systems and apparatus for said improved combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus. The combustion and/or fuel and/or energy management methods, processes, systems or apparatus (Water Combustion Technology, WCT) is based upon the chemistry of Water (H₂O), incorporating Hydrogen (H₂) and Oxygen (O₂) as fuel, as well as H₂O and/or air as at least one of a heat sink and/or a fuel source. The WCT does not use a hydrocarbon as a fuel source, rather the WCT uses H₂ in combination preferably with O₂ a secondarily with air. The primary product of the combustion of H₂ and O₂ is H₂O. Further, in many embodiments the WCT separates H₂O into H₂ and O₂, thereby making H₂O an efficient method of storing fuel.

As used herein, the term combustion can incorporate any combustion method, system, process or apparatus, such a furnace, a combustion engine, an internal combustion engine, a turbine or any combustion system wherein mechanical, electrical or heat energy (heat energy can include thrust energy) is created. The discovered WCT contain embodiments wherein nitrogen (N₂) or N₂ and Argon (Ar) is partially or totally removed from the fuel mixture to improve the energy output of combustion and/or reduce the pollution output of combustion.

The discovered WCT relate to improved methods, processes, systems and apparatus for combustion that significantly improve the thermodynamics of combustion, thereby significantly improving the efficiency of combustion. Further, the discovered WCT relate to improved methods, processes, systems and apparatus for combustion wherein H₂O is added to the fuel mixture to control the combustion temperature, thereby utilizing H₂O during combustion as a heat sink. The WCT incorporate embodiments wherein steam produced by combustion and/or the cooling of combustion: 1) maintains the power output of combustion, 2) provides method(s) of energy transfer and 3) provides an efficient method of energy recycle. Steam presents a reusable energy source in the exhaust, both from the available kinetic and the available heat energy, as well as the conversion of said steam into H₂ and/or O₂.

Incorporating H₂O into the fuel mixture with the intent of minimizing or excluding N₂, or N₂ and Ar from the fuel mixture culminates in a fuel mixture that is/are at least one of: O₂, H₂ and H₂O; O₂, H₂, H₂O and N₂; O₂, H₂, H₂O, N₂ and Ar; O₂, H₂, H₂O and air; H₂, H₂O and air; and H₂ with excess air wherein said excess air is used to control combustion temperature. As used herein, the fuel mixture in the WCT is defined to incorporate either: O₂ and H₂; O₂, H₂ and N₂; O₂, H₂ and Ar; O₂, H₂ and air; O₂, H₂ and H₂O; O₂, H₂, H₂O and N₂; H₂, H₂O, N₂ and Ar; O₂, H₂, H₂O and air; H₂, H₂O and air; or H₂ and excess air.

The discovered WCT relate to methods, processes, systems and apparatus of generating electricity. Four methods, processes, systems and apparatus of generating electricity are discovered.

The first places a steam turbine in the exhaust of the combustion engine, wherein said steam turbine is driven by said steam produced in combustion; said steam turbine turning a generator (the term generator is used herein to define either an alternator or a dynamo), wherein at least a portion of said steam energy is converted into said electrical energy. The second places a generator on the mechanical energy output of a combustion engine, wherein at least a portion of said mechanical energy is converted by said generator into electrical energy. The third incorporates a physical system of focusing air and/or water currents onto a generator or dynamo, wherein said generator or dynamo is driven by said moving air or water to generate electrical energy. The fourth uses a photovoltaic cell to generate electrical energy.

It is discovered to use at least a portion of said electrical energy for the electrolytic generation of H₂O into O₂ and H₂. If a dynamo is used, at least a portion of the dynamo D/C current is used for electrolysis; if an alternator is used an A/C to D/C converter preferably converts at least a portion of the alternating current into direct current for electrolysis. It is further discovered and preferred to utilize at least one of said electrolysis generated O₂ and/or H₂ as fuel in the WCT.

The discovered WCT further relate to methods, processes, systems and apparatus for separating O₂ from air. Three are discovered. By the first, O₂ is separated utilizing energy available from said WCT to power a cryogenic distillation system, wherein air is chilled and distilled into O₂ and N₂. By the second, air is separated producing O₂ utilizing membranes; said membranes can be of either organic (polymer) construction or of inorganic (ceramic) construction. By the third, air is separated producing O₂ utilizing Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). While the separation of air into O₂ and N₂ can have many degrees of separation efficiency, it is to be understood that the term O₂ as used herein is to mean at least enriched O₂, wherein the O₂ concentration is at least 40 percent; preferably pure O₂, wherein the O₂ concentration is at least 80 percent; and most preferably very pure O₂, wherein the O₂ concentration is at least 90 percent.

The discovered WCT further relate to methods, processes, systems and apparatus of metal catalysis, wherein said steam produced in the WCT is converted into H₂ and metal oxides, as part of a catalyst system. It is further discovered and preferred that at least a portion of said H₂ be used as a fuel in the WCT. As used herein, the term metal catalysis is to mean any metal or combination of metals in the periodic table, wherein the metal or combination of metals will convert the H₂O within steam or water vapor into the corresponding metal oxide(s) and H₂.

2. Background of the Invention

Mankind, has over the centuries, provided many forms of energy and many forms of transportation. In the modern capitalistic economy, the availability of energy is Important to literally “fuel” the economic engine, which heats homes, provides electricity, powers lights, powers transportation and powers manufacturing facilities, etc. The availability of energy is especially important in the transportation of goods and people. During the 19'th and 20'th centuries mankind developed fossil fuels into reliable and inexpensive fuels for many uses including transportation, powering factories, generating electricity and generating heat. During the 20'th century, the use of fossil fuels increased to such an extent as to cause the combustion products of fossil fuels to be a major source of air and water pollution.

It must be understood and appreciated that most fossil fuel combustion systems have an efficiency that is less than 40 percent and that the internal combustion engine has an efficiency of less than 20 percent. These very poor results are a direct consequence of the thermodynamics of combustion. Current combustion systems significantly increase entropy, releasing entropy as well as enthalpy, to their surroundings. This is because it is very difficult for fossil fuel combustion systems to manage temperature without significant entropy and enthalpy losses to their environment; these losses are exhibited as exhaust gases and heat losses to the environment. In summary, the first and second laws of thermodynamics are a liability to fossil fuel combustion systems.

Hydrocarbon(s) have been used in combination with air as fuel for combustion. The hydrocarbons utilized have been petroleum distillates such as gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, jet fuel and kerosene, or fermentation distillates such as methanol and ethanol, or naturally occurring substances such as methane, ethane, propane, butane, coal and wood. The combustion of fossil fuel(s) does not work in concert with nature. The products of fossil fuels were thought to work in concert with nature's oxygen-carbon cycle.

C_(n)H_(2n+2)+(1.5n+½)O₂ →nCO₂+(n+1)H₂O+Energy

More specifically:

gasoline (n-Octane) C₈H₁₈+12−½O₂→8CO₂+9H₂O+1,300 kcal

natural gas (methane) CH₄+2O₂→CO₂+2H₂O+213 kcal

Oxides of carbon (CO_(X), CO and/or CO₂) are produced by the combustion of fossil fuels. This production in combination with significant deforestation has left plant life incapable of converting enough of the manmade CO₂ back into O₂. CO, an incomplete combustion by-product, is toxic to all human, animal and plant life. Global warming is a result of a buildup of CO_(X) in the Earth's atmosphere. The combustion of air also creates oxides of Nitrogen (N), converting a portion of the N₂ to NO_(X) (NO, NO₂ and/or NO₃). NO_(X) is toxic to all human, animal and plant life. NO_(X) is known to inhibit photosynthesis, which is nature's biochemical pathway of converting CO₂ back into O₂. The formation of NO_(X) is endothermic, thereby lessening combustion efficiency. Further, NO_(X) reacts with O₂ in the atmosphere to produce ozone (O₃). O₃ is toxic to all human, animal and plant life. O₃ should only exist in higher levels of the atmosphere, wherein O₃ is naturally created from O₂. In the higher levels of the atmosphere O₃ protects all human, animal and plant life from the harmful rays of the sun. Lastly, liquid and solid fossil fuels naturally contain sulfur (S) as a contaminant. In combustion, S is oxidized to SO_(X) (SO₂, SO₃ and/or SO₄). SO_(X) are toxic to all human, animal and plant life. CO_(X), NO_(X) and SO_(X) react with water in the air to form acids of CO_(X), NO_(X) and/or SO_(X), which literally rain acids upon the earth. In summary, CO_(X), NO_(X), SO_(X) and O₃ in the air adversely affect the health of all human, animal and plant life. An environmentally acceptable alternative to fossil fuels would be a fuel system that does work in concert with nature. Such a system would not produce CO_(X), NO_(X) or SO_(X), and thereby not generate O₃.

There has been much done mechanically and chemically to combat the environmental issues associated with hydrocarbon combustion. As an example, industrial facilities are outfitted with expensive scrubber systems whenever the politics demand the installation and/or the business supports the installation. As another example, the internal combustion engine has been enhanced significantly to make the engine more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. Even With enhancement, the internal combustion engine is only approximately 20 percent efficient and the gas turbine/steam turbine system is only approximately 30 to 40 percent efficient. As depicted in FIG. 2, the internal combustion engine looses as a percentage of available energy fuel value: 1) approximately 35 percent in the exhaust, 2) approximately 35 percent in cooling, 3) approximately 9 percent in friction, and 4) only 1 percent due to poor combustion performance, leaving the engine approximately 20 percent efficient.

Hydrocarbon fuels have been modified with additives to minimize the formation of either CO_(X) or NO_(X). However, with all of the scrubber modifications, engine modifications and fuel modifications, the Earth is struggling to deal with manmade pollutants that originate from hydrocarbon combustion systems. In addition to the environmental issues, availability and dependability of large quantities of petroleum hydrocarbons has become a geopolitical issue.

There have been many previous attempts to produce a combustion engine that would operate on air and H₂. Those attempts had as difficulties: the high temperature of combustion, increased NO_(X) formation at higher combustion temperatures, storage capacity for large enough quantities of H₂ and cost of operation. Jet propulsion applications had as difficulties: high combustion temperatures, lack of available thrust and a lower altitude propulsion limit than kerosene. As compared to hydrocarbons, the combustion of H₂ occurs with H₂ having three times the available combustion energy per pound; in addition H₂ is much less dense than hydrocarbons, this density difference is significant in both in the available gas and in the cryogenically stored liquid form. H₂ is a gas at atmospheric pressure. H₂ is not a liquid until the temperature is lowered to near −430° F.; therefore, storage equipment for H₂ need to either be able to withstand high pressure, cryogenic temperatures or both. Such storage equipment for large volumes of H₂ becomes economically impractical.

Historically and currently it has been believed that the electric motor is the solution to finding an environmentally friendly energy source. However, this concept has deficiencies in that the electrical energy required to power an electric motor must be created and stored. Electrical energy is created with either: 1) hydrocarbon combustion/steam generation processes, 2) photovoltaic generation processes, 3) water driven generation processes, 4) windmill driven generation processes or 5) nuclear generation/steam driven generation processes. While the photovoltaic process is environmentally friendly, the photovoltaic process is not reliable or effective enough in many applications to replace the combustion engine. While the water driven (water wheel) generation process is environmentally friendly, the water driven generation process is a geographically limited energy source. While the windmill driven generation process is environmentally friendly, wind is a limited non-reliable resource. While the nuclear generation/steam driven generation process is environmentally friendly, concerns over the safety of such installations have limited applications.

Commercialization of the electric car has been limited due to electrical energy cost and the electrical energy mass storage requirement being so massive that under the best of circumstances the electric car must be limited to short distances or supplemented with an internal combustion engine.

Previous and current attempts to produce a fuel cell that would operate on H₂ and air, as well as hydrocarbons and air are showing promising results. However, the capital investment to power output ratio for fuel cells is 400 to 500 percent of that same investment for traditional combustion systems. Also, the required maintenance of fuel cells increases the cost of operation. In addition, fuel cells require Platinum; there is not enough Platinum in the Earth's crust for one year's automotive production, much less enough for the energy needs of the world. Lastly, in transportation the fuel cell does not have the same “feel” as the internal combustion engine, which may lead to acceptance challenges. Previous attempts to replace or reduce the power of the internal combustion engine have failed due to market acceptance. Auto enthusiasts have come to enjoy and expect the “feel” and power of the internal combustion engine.

Previous work to develop a combustion engine that would operate on fuel(s) other than hydrocarbon(s) can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,262, U.S. Pat. No. 3,982,878, U.S. Pat. No. 4,167,919, U.S. Pat. No. 4,308,844, U.S. Pat. No. 4,599,865 U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,091, U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,857, U.S. Pat. No. 5,782,081, U.S. Pat. No. 5,775,091 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,290,184. The closest work is U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,666 B1. While each of these patents present improvements in combustion technology, each leaves issues that have left the commercialization of such a combustion engine impractical.

While there are many methods to prepare O₂, the separation of air into its component gases is industrially performed by three methods: cryogenic distillation, membrane separation and PSA.

There are many methods and processes utilized for cryogenic refrigeration, which is a component of cryogenic distillation. A good reference of cryogenic refrigeration methods and processes known in the art would be “Cryogenic Engineering,” written by Thomas M. Flynn and printed by Dekker. As written by Flynn, cryogenic refrigeration and liquefaction are the same processes, except liquefaction takes off a portion of the refrigerated liquid which must be made up, wherein refrigeration all of the liquid is recycled. All of the methods and processes of refrigeration and liquefaction are based upon the same basic refrigeration principals, as depicted in Flow Diagram 1.

As written by Flynn, there are many ways to combine the few components of work (compression), rejecting heat, expansion and absorbing heat. There exist in the art many methods and processes of cryogenic refrigeration, all of which can be adapted for cryogenic liquefaction. A listing of those refrigeration cycles would include: Joule Thompson, Stirling, Brayton, Claude, Linde, Harnpson, Postle, Ericsson, Gifford-McMahon and Vuilleumier. As written by Flynn, “There are as many ways to combine these few components as there are engineers to combine them.” (It is important to note, as is known in the art, that H₂ has a negative Joule-Thompson coefficient until temperatures of approximately 350 R are obtained.)

Conventional cryogenic air distillation processes that separate air into O₂, Ar and N₂ are commonly based on a dual pressure cycle. Air is first compressed and subsequently cooled. Cooling may be accomplished by one of four methods: 1—Vaporization of a liquid, 2—The Joule Thompson Effect (which performs best when augmented with method 3), 3—Counter-current heat exchange with previously cooled warming product streams or with externally cooled warming product streams and 4—The expansion of a gas in an engine doing external work. The cooled and compressed air is usually introduced into two fractionating zones. The first fractionating zone is thermally linked with a second fractionating zone which is at a lower pressure. The two zones are thermally linked such that a condenser of the first zone reboils the second zone. The air undergoes a partial distillation in the first zone producing a substantially pure N₂ fraction and a liquid fraction that is enriched in O₂. The enriched O₂ fraction is an intermediate feed to the second fractionating zone. The substantially pure liquid N₂ from the first fractionating zone is used as reflux at the top of the second fractionating zone. In the second fractionating zone separation is completed, producing substantially pure O₂ from the bottom of the zone and substantially pure N₂ from the top. When Ar is produced in the conventional process, a third fractionating zone is employed. The feed to this zone is a vapor fraction enriched in Ar which is withdrawn from an intermediate point in the second fractionating zone. The pressure of this third zone is of the same order as that of the second zone. In the third fractionating zone, the feed is rectified into an Ar rich stream which is withdrawn from the top, and a liquid stream which is withdrawn from the bottom of the third fractionating zone and introduced to the second fractionating zone at an intermediate point. Reflux for the third fractionating zone is provided by a condenser which is located at the top. In this condenser, Ar enriched vapor is condensed by heat exchange from another stream, which is typically the enriched O₂ fraction from the first fractionating zone. The enriched O₂ stream then enters the second fractionating zone in a partially vaporized state at an intermediate point, above the point where the feed to third fractionating zone is withdrawn.

The distillation of air, a ternary mixture, into N₂, O₂ and Ar may be viewed as two binary distillations. One binary distillation is the separation of the high boiling point O₂ from the intermediate boiling point Ar. The other binary distillation is the separation of the intermediate boiling point Ar from the low boiling point N₂. Of these two binary distillations, the former is more difficult, requiring more reflux and/or theoretical trays than the latter. Ar—O₂ separation is the primary function of third fractionating zone and the bottom section of the second fractionating zone below the point where the feed to the third zone is withdrawn. N₂—Ar separation is the primary function of the upper section of the second fractionating zone above the point where the feed to the third fractionating zone is withdrawn.

The ease of distillation is also a function of pressure. Both binary separations become more difficult at higher pressure. This fact dictates that for the conventional arrangement the optimal operating pressure of the second and third fractionating zones is at or near the minimal pressure of one atmosphere. For the conventional arrangement, product recoveries decrease substantially as the operating pressure is increased above one atmosphere mainly due to the increasing difficulty of the Ar—O₂ separation. There are other considerations, however, which make elevated pressure processing attractive. Distillation column diameters and heat exchanger cross sectional areas can be decreased due to increased vapor density. Elevated pressure products can provide substantial compression equipment capital cost savings. In some cases, integration of the air separation process with a power generating gas turbine is desired. In these cases, elevated pressure operation of the air separation process is required. The air feed to the first fractionating zone is at an elevated pressure of approximately 10 to 20 atmospheres absolute. This causes the operating pressure of the second and third fractionating zones to be approximately 3 to 6 atmospheres absolute. Operation of the conventional arrangement at these pressures results in very poor product recoveries due to the previously described effect of pressure on the ease of separation.

As used herein: the term “indirect heat exchange” means the bringing of two fluid streams into heat exchange relation without any physical contact or intermixing of the fluids with each other; the term “air” means a mixture comprising primarily N₂, O₂ and Ar; the terms “upper portion” and “lower portion” mean those sections of a column respectively above and below the midpoint of the column; the term “tray” means a contacting stage, which is not necessarily an equilibrium stage, and may mean other contacting apparatus such as packing having a separation capability equivalent to one tray; the term “equilibrium stage” means a vapor-liquid contacting stage whereby the vapor and liquid leaving the stage are in mass transfer equilibrium, e.g. a tray having 100 percent efficiency or a packing element height equivalent to one theoretical plate (HETP); the term “top condenser” means a heat exchange device which generates column downflow liquid from column top vapor; the term “bottom reboiler” means a heat exchange device which generates column upflow vapor from column bottom liquid. (A bottom reboiler may be physically within or outside a column. When the bottom reboiler is within a column, the bottom reboiler encompasses the portion of the column below the lowermost tray or equilibrium stage of the column.)

While it is well known in the chemical industry that the cryogenic distillation of air into O₂ and N₂ is the most economical pathway to produce these elemental diatomic gases, it has not been proposed to utilize this industrial process to either: distill H₂ along with O₂ and N₂, fuel the combustion of O₂ with H₂ with O₂ from cryogenic distillation and/or utilize the energy of the combustion of O₂ with H₂ to power the cryogenic distillation of air. Previous work performed to separate air into its components can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 4,112,875; U.S. Pat. No. 5,245,832; U.S. Pat. No. 5,976,273; U.S. Pat. No. 6,048,509; U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,136; U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,668 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,333,445.

It is also well known in many industries to separate air with membranes. Two general types of membranes are known in the art: organic polymer membranes and inorganic membranes. These membrane separation processes are improved by setting up an electric potential across a membrane that has been designed to be electrically conductive. While many of these processes are well known and established, it has not been proposed to utilize either of these processes to fuel the combustion of O₂ with H₂ or to utilize the energy of the combustion of O₂ with 112 to power the membrane separation of air. Previous work performed to separate air into its components with membranes can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,383; U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,654; U.S. Pat. No. 6,277,483; U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,884; U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,664; U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,814; U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,915; U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,218; U.S. Pat. No. 6,340,381; U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,601; U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,524; U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,582; U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,583 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,020.

It is also known to separate air into O₂ and N₂ with PSA. However, it has not been proposed to utilize PSA to fuel the combustion of O₂ with H₂ or to utilize the energy of the combustion of O₂ with H₂ to power PSA separation of air. Previous work performed to separate air into its components with PSA can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 3,140,931; U.S. Pat. No. 3,140,932, U.S. Pat. No. 3,140,933; U.S. Pat. No. 3,313,091; U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,018; U.S. Pat. No. 4,557,736; U.S. Pat. No. 4,859,217; U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,467; U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,709 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,201.

The discovered WCT relate to chemical methods, processes, systems and apparatus for producing H₂ from steam, since steam is the physical state of the water product from the WCT. Previous work in this field has focused on refinery or power plant exhaust gases; none of that work discusses the separation of H₂O back into H₂. Previous work performed to utilize the products of hydrocarbon combustion from an internal combustion engine can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,343. Previous work in corrosion is in the direction of preventing corrosion instead of encouraging corrosion, yet can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,876, U.S. Pat. No. 6,320,395, U.S. Pat. No. 6,331,243, U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,188, U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,143 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,397.

The discovered WCT relate to electrolytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to electro-chemically convert H₂O into O₂ and H₂. While there have been improvements in the technology of electrolysis and there have been many attempts to incorporate electrolysis with a combustion engine, wherein the hydrocarbon fuel is supplemented by H₂ produced by electrolysis, there has been no work with electrolysis to fuel a combustion engine wherein electrolysis is a significant source of O₂ and H₂. Previous work in electrolysis as electrolysis relate to combustion systems can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 6,336,430, U.S. Pat. No. 6,338,786, U.S. Pat. No. 6,361,893, U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,026, U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,032 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,035.

The discovered WCT relate to the production of electricity. The mechanical energy for a mechanically driven electrical generation device, which can be a generator or an alternator, is produced by the fuel(s) of the WCT. In addition, the steam energy for a steam driven generator is produced by the fuel(s) of the WCT; the WCT Engine exhaust steam energy may drive a steam turbine, thereby driving a generator creating an electrical current. Further, said exhaust gas, H₂O, minimizes environmental equipment. The discovered WCT presents a combustion turbine, wherein the exhaust gas is at least primarily if not totally H₂O or H₂O and air. While there has been much work in the design of steam turbines, in all cases the steam for the steam turbine is generated by heat transfer, wherein said heat for heat transfer is created by nuclear fission or hydrocarbon combustion. The concept of utilizing a steam turbine in the direct exhaust of a combustion engine or to recycle energy within a combustion engine, especially to create electricity for the electrolytic conversion of H₂O into O₂ and H₂ is new and novel. Previous work in steam turbine generation technology or engine exhaust turbine technology can be referenced in: U.S. Pat. No. 6,100,600, U.S. Pat. No. 6,305,901, U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,754, U.S. Pat. No. 6,341,941, U.S. Pat. No. 6,345,952, U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,035, U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,651, U.S. Pat. No. 6,354,798, U.S. Pat. No. 6,357,235, U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,004 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,710, the closest being U.S. Pat. No. 4,094,148 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,315 B1.

The discovered WCT relate to air and water driven turbine technologies to create electricity. Air or water driven turbine electrical generation technology would be applicable to combustion system(s) utilizing the discovered WCT, wherein: there is a reliable source of moving air and/or water. While a moving source of air or a moving source of water may be an excellent source of electrical power generation to fuel the electrolysis of H₂O, the concept of either: the use of said electrolysis to fuel the discovered WCT or of a windmill or waterwheel to power said electrolysis in order to fuel the discovered WCT is novel. Previous work in wind driven generator technology can be referenced in U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,972, U.S. Pat. No. 4,024,409, U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,419, U.S. Pat. No. 6,132,172, U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,944, U.S. Pat. No. 6,224,338, U.S. Pat. No. 6,232,673, U.S. Pat. No. 6,239,506, U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,897, U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,308, U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,680, U.S. Pat. No. 293,835, U.S. Pat. No. 294,844, U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,652, U.S. Pat. No. 6,323,572, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,635,981.

The discovered WCT relate to photovoltaic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create electricity, wherein said electricity is used to create at least one of H₂ and O₂, wherein said H₂ and/or said O₂ is used as a fuel in said WCT. There are many methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the photovoltaic production of electricity, as is known in the art. There are many methods, systems and processes wherein a photovoltaic cell is used to create electricity for the electrolytic separation of H₂O into H₂ and O₂, wherein the H₂ is used in a fuel cell. Previous work in photovoltaic cells in relation to the production of H₂ can be referenced in: U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,997, U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,330, U.S. Pat. No. 5,986,206, U.S. Pat. No. 6,075,203, U.S. Pat. No. 6,128,903, U.S. Pat. No. 6,166,397, U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,296, U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,643, U.S. Pat. No. 6,214,636, U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,321, U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,978, U.S. Pat. No. 6,459,231, U.S. Pat. No. 6,471,834, U.S. Pat. No. 6,489,553, U.S. Pat. No. 6,503,648, U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,929, U.S. Pat. No. 6,515,219 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,515,283. None of the previous work describes or suggests the use of a photovoltaic cell in combination with said WCT.

The discovered WCT relate to methods of controlling corrosion, scale and deposition in water applications. U.S. Pat. No. 4,209,398 issued to Ii, et al., on Jun. 24, 1980 presents a process for treating water to inhibit formation of scale and deposits on surfaces in contact with the water and to minimize corrosion of the surfaces. The process comprises mixing in the water an effective amount of water soluble polymer containing a structural unit that is derived from a monomer having an ethylenically unsaturated bond and having one or more carboxyl radicals, at least a part of said carboxyl radicals being modified, and one or more corrosion inhibitor compounds selected from the group consisting of inorganic phosphoric acids and water soluble salts therefore, phosphonic acids and water soluble salts thereof, organic phosphoric acids and water soluble salts thereof, organic phosphoric acid esters and water-soluble salts thereof and polyvalent metal salts, capable of being dissociated to polyvalent metal ions in water. The Ii patent does not discuss or present systems of electrolysis or of combustion.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,442,009 issued to O'Leary, et al., on Apr. 10, 1984 presents a method for controlling scale formed from water soluble calcium, magnesium and iron impurities contained in boiler water. The method comprises adding to the water a chelant and water soluble salts thereof, a water soluble phosphate salt and a water soluble poly methacrylic acid or water soluble salt thereof. The O'Leary patent does not discuss or present systems of electrolysis or of combustion.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,631,131 issued to Cuisia, et al., on Dec. 23, 1986 presents a method for inhibiting formation of scale in an aqueous steam generating boiler system. Said method comprises a chemical treatment consisting essentially of adding to the water in the boiler system scale-inhibiting amounts of a composition comprising a copolymer of maleic acid and alkyl sulfonic acid or a water soluble salt thereof, hydroxyl ethylidenel, 1-diphosphic acid or a water soluble salt thereof and a water soluble sodium phosphate hardness precipitating agent. The Cuisia patent does not discuss or present systems of electrolysis or of combustion.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,640,793 issued to Persinski, et al., on Feb. 3, 1987 presents an admixture, and its use in inhibiting scale and corrosion in aqueous systems, comprising: (a) a water soluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of less than 25,000 comprising an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an unsaturated sulfonic acid, or their salts, having a ratio of 1:20 to 20:1, and (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of water soluble polycarboxylates, phosphonates, phosphates, polyphosphates, metal salts and sulfonates. The Persinski patent presents chemical combinations which prevent scale and corrosion; however, the Persinski patent does not address electrolysis or combustion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A primary object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus for an internal combustion engine.

Another object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus for electrical energy generation.

Another object of the invention is to devise environmentally friendly, effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus for jet propulsion.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus that do not produce oxides of carbon.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus that minimize the production of oxides of nitrogen.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible fuel system for an environmentally friendly, effective and efficient combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible fuel methods, processes, systems and apparatus for environmentally friendly, effective and efficient internal combustion engines.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible fuel methods, processes, systems and apparatus for environmentally friendly, effective and efficient electricity production.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible fuel methods, processes, systems and apparatus for environmentally friendly, effective and efficient heat generation.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus that includes hydrogen and oxygen or hydrogen and air or hydrogen and oxygen and air, wherein the temperature of combustion is controlled so that economical materials of construction for a combustion engine can be used.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible methods, processes, systems and apparatus of increasing the efficiency of combustion.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible electrolytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert water into oxygen and/or hydrogen utilizing the energy available from combustion.

Another object of the invention is to devise effective, efficient and economically feasible catalytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the conversion of stream into hydrogen, wherein the steam is produced by a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of: oxygen, hydrogen and water; oxygen, hydrogen, water and nitrogen; oxygen, hydrogen, water and air; hydrogen, water and air.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in a description which follows and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

An improved environmentally friendly process to create energy over that of the combustion of fossil fuels would be a process that does not produce a product of which the earth would have to naturally remove or convert. H₂O is a product which could perform such a task. The Earth is covered mostly by water. Water is made by the combustion of O₂ and H₂. Further, known methods to produce O₂ are by: liquefaction (cryogenic distillation) of air; membrane separation of air, Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) of air and electrolysis of H₂O. All of these processes are friendly to the environment. In addition, H₂ is the most abundant element in the universe existing in nearly all compounds and compositions. Modifying our alcohol, oil, coal and gas refineries to produce H₂ would stimulate economic expansion, while focusing the responsibility of air pollution into a refining environment, wherein that responsibility can be managed.

The discovered WCT manage energy much more efficiently than that of the traditional combustion engine, as the traditional combustion engine relates to transportation, electricity generation and heat generation applications. This is especially the case with respect to the internal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine, as well as combustion engines generally, loose approximately 60 to 85 percent of their combustion energy in: heat losses from the engine, engine exhaust gases and unused mechanical energy. It is discovered in that this invention recaptures significant energy losses by converting lost energy into potential and into internal energy. This discovery directly follows the first and the second laws of thermodynamics. In one application, an internal combustion engine, exhaust energy is converted into chemical potential energy.

The discovered WCT utilize the energy of combustion of O₂ with H₂ as the energy source for combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create energy. The combustion product of O₂ and H₂ is H₂O. This combustion reaction is somewhat similar to that of hydrocarbon combustion; however, carbon is removed from the reaction and N₂ is partially or totally removed from the reaction. In summary, WCT eliminates environmental issues associated with the combustion of C, N and/or S.

2H₂+O₂→2H₂O+137 kcal

At 68.5 kcal/mole, H₂ has an energy value of 34 kcal per pound; this compares favorably to n-Octane which is 1300 kcal/mole=11 kcal per pound and methane which is 213 kcal/mole=13 kcal per pound.

While H₂O is an environmentally friendly combustion product, the combustion temperature of O₂ with H₂ is too high for most combustion materials. And, especially in the case of the internal combustion engine, the implementation of any new combustion system would be significantly facilitated through the use of traditional materials of construction, so as to minimize the cost of engine construction. H₂O is preferably used to control the combustion temperature of O₂ with H₂. Said H₂O can be in one of three forms: a solid (ice particles), a liquid (water vapor) and a gas (steam). If H₂O is in the form of a solid, the combustion temperature will be controlled by: the heat capacity of solid H₂O, the sublimation energy of H₂O, the heat capacity of liquid H₂O, the latent heat of vaporization of H₂O and the heat capacity of steam. If H₂O is in the form of a liquid, the combustion temperature will be controlled by: the heat capacity of liquid H₂O, the latent heat of vaporization of H₂O and the heat capacity of steam. If the H₂O is a gas, the temperature will be controlled by the heat capacity of steam.

Air has traditionally been used as the combustion oxidant (O₂ in air). The combustion of O₂ with H₂, without the inclusion of N₂ and/or Ar or with a minimal inclusion of N₂ and/or Ar from air, improves internal combustion energy output by over 300 percent. This aspect of the instant invention can be readily seen by comparing a combustion system which utilizes air for the oxidant, wherein air is approximately only 20 percent O₂ and 78 percent N₂, and a combustion system which utilizes very pure O₂ as the oxidant. Nitrogen reduces the combustion temperature while endothermically producing NO_(X), thereby creating pollution while reducing engine efficiency. Since air is approximately 78 percent N₂, nearly 78 percent of the combustion mixture in a traditional combustion engine provides no energy during combustion, and in actuality, reduces the energy output of combustion. While the N₂ in air can keep the combustion temperature down, thereby producing exhaust gas temperatures approximately near or below 1000° F., so that the combustion temperature is not harmful to traditional materials of engine construction, the addition of H₂O to an O₂/H₂ fuel mixture approaches isothermal combustion producing steam while cooling the temperature of combustion, thereby converting combustion heat energy into an energy form that is easily utilized and/or recycled. The inclusion of N₂ does not provide the ability of energy recycle. The same discussion applies to Ar.

As is readily understood in combustion science, there are three components required for combustion to commence: fuel, heat and ignition. Assuming a constant source of fuel (H₂ and O₂) and ignition, the addition of H₂O to the combustion mixture presents a method and process to: limit the combustion temperature, minimize NO_(X) formation, and minimize the cost of materials of construction for the combustion engine, as well as maintain a high enough combustion temperature so that combustion may commence. The addition of H₂O to the combustion chamber can be managed to maintain combustion, as well as control the temperature of combustion. Varying engine configurations, combustion chamber designs and materials of construction will determine the limits of H₂O addition to the combustion chamber within the limits of fuel mixture and combustion temperature. Varying engine configurations, combustion chamber designs and materials of construction will determine the limits of H₂O addition to the combustion chamber within the limits of fuel mixture and combustion temperature. The addition of excess air to the combustion chamber can be managed to maintain combustion, as well as control the temperature of combustion. This concept is especially practical in jet propulsion applications.

H₂O is discovered in this invention as a coolant and as a fuel, as well as a combustion product. H₂O is presented in novel energy recycle methods, processes, systems and apparatus to improve the efficiency of combustion by utilizing water as a combustion product, an energy conduit, a combustion coolant and an energy storage medium. The discovered WCT presents H₂O as at least one of: an energy storage medium, a combustion product, a coolant and an energy transfer conduit and/or any combination therein. The importance of this aspect of the invention can be appreciated by thermodynamic principals. By the first law of thermodynamics, heat added to the system plus work done on the system equals changes in internal energy plus changes in potential and kinetic energy. The recycling of otherwise lost energy increases both internal and potential energy, thereby increasing efficiency of the combustion systems. By the second law of thermodynamics: changes in internal energy equal changes in entropy (at a specific temperature) minus work performed by the system. Since the WCT significantly reduces changes in entropy by focusing otherwise lost entropy and enthalpy into an exhaust enthalpy/entropy which can be recycled into internal and potential energy, the WCT significantly increases internal and potential energy, thereby significantly increasing efficiency. The WCT uses the first and second laws of thermodynamics as an asset. In contrast, hydrocarbon combustion technologies have the first and second laws of thermodynamics as a liability. Further, the use of H₂O in the combustion chamber theoretically approaches isothermal combustion.

It has been learned in the industry that frozen crystals of methane in a H₂ gas allow the H₂ to form a gel of H₂ and methane. Such gel compositions are easier to handle than their cryogenically stored H₂. It is an embodiment of the WCT to store at least one of H₂ and O₂ as a gel wherein the gel contains frozen water crystals, thereby improving the storage characteristics of said H₂ or O₂.

The WCT utilizes electrochemical pathways to convert H₂O into O₂ and H₂, wherein the electrical energy for these pathways is obtained from at least one of: cooling the engine, exhaust gas energy, combustion output mechanical energy, photovoltaic energy and the energy of air or water motion. Given that the efficiency of most combustion engines (especially the internal combustion engine) is only approximately 20 percent, the discovered WCT can significantly increase the combustion efficiency. Assuming that the available H₂ fuel has a conversion efficiency near that of its hydrocarbon predecessors, thereby presenting a source value of 100 percent for fresh H₂ and that the separation of air into O₂, N₂ and Ar has an efficiency of conservatively near 20 percent, WCT methods, processes, systems and apparatus have the capability to increase the efficiency of a turbine combustion engine to near 40 to 70 percent and the efficiency of the internal combustion engine to near approximately 60 to 70 percent. It is theorized that the combustion efficiency can be increased further, depending on the separation efficiency of air into O₂, N₂ and Ar, the conversion efficiency of steam into electricity and in most applications the conversion efficiency of electricity into H₂ and O₂. It is discovered that the theoretical limit of efficiency for the discovered WCT is approximately limited to the efficiency limit in the conversion of steam, mechanical, photovoltaic, wind and waterwheel energy to electricity in combination with the efficiency limit of electrolysis to convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂ minus friction losses. This theoretical limit presents that the theoretical efficiency limit of the methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT is near approximately 70-90 percent. (There is an interesting situation, wherein the engine is not running and a photovoltaic cell increases the potential energy by creating fuel from water. Under this scenario the engine actually increases its fuel without using any fuel, wherein the efficiency is infinate.)

The discovered WCT present methods, processes, systems and apparatus for separating O₂ and N₂ from air in combination with the combustion of O₂ with H₂. There are three methods of separation. By the first method, air is separated utilizing the cryogenic distillation process, which is used to pressure, chill and distill the air, separating air into O₂ and N₂. By the second method, air is separated utilizing membranes; the membranes can be of either organic polymer construction or of inorganic construction. By the third method, air is separated by utilizing Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA). Utilizing PSA it is preferred that O₂ be absorbed; however, it is practical that N₂ be absorbed. The separated O₂, produced by at least one of these methods, is preferably used as a fuel in the combustion systems.

Cryogenic Distillation—In the chemical industry, cryogenic distillation of air into O₂ and N₂ is a common pathway to produce these elemental diatomic gases. However, it has not been proposed previously and it is novel to utilize this process: in combination with H₂ distillation, to fuel the combustion of O₂ with H₂ and/or to utilize the energy of the combustion of O₂ with H₂ to power the cryogenic distillation of air. In addition, nearly all industrial processes for the separation of air into O₂ and N₂ utilize N₂ or N₂ and Ar as industrial products. In the case of the discovered WCT, the primary use of distilled N₂ and/or Ar would be as a heat sink. This heat sink is preferably utilized to perform at least one of: cool the storage of O₂ or of H₂, facilitate cryogenic distillation, cool the combustion engine and/or provide refrigeration and/or provide environmental cooling. In the case of the internal combustion engine, this heat sink is preferably used in place of the engine water coolant cooling system (typically a fan cooled radiator) and/or the compressor for the passenger cooling (air conditioning) system. The distillation of Ar is immaterial except as a combustion efficiency improvement; the additional fractionating column to separate Ar should be viewed on a capital investment—efficiency rate of return analysis.

Membrane Separation—Membrane separation is much simpler than cryogenic distillation, however, nitrogen is not available as a heat sink. By utilizing the membrane separation process, separate cooling systems will need to potentially be available for the engine and for any passenger or environmental cooling.

PSA—PSA separation is simpler than cryogenic processes yet more complicated than membrane separation. PSA has the same drawback as membrane separation; N₂ would not be available as a heat sink. By utilizing a PSA separation process, separate cooling systems will need to potentially be available for the engine and for any passenger or environmental cooling.

The discovered WCT relate to chemical methods, processes, systems and apparatus of producing H₂ from steam, since steam is the physical state of the water product from combustion. The WCT converts steam into H₂ utilizing a process, which is normally considered a detriment. The WCT utilizes corrosion to chemically convert steam to H₂. Corrosion utilizes O₂ to convert a metal to its metal oxide, while releasing H₂. This metal oxide has traditionally been viewed as a detriment since the metal oxide has less strength, durability and luster than its metal counterpart. The general chemical reaction for corrosion with water as the oxidant would be:

where, M is any metal or combination of metals from the Periodic Table and eV is the electromotive potential. Due to the electromotive potential of corrosion, many methods of protecting a metal against corrosion are based upon managing the electromotive potential of the metal. One such method is cathodic protection. Under cathodic protection, the metal is protected against corrosion by producing an electromotive potential in the metal that is counter to the electromotive potential for corrosion of that metal. Where traditional cathodic protection methods are used to prevent corrosion, the WCT proposes driving corrosion by creating an anodic potential. The WCT utilizes catalytic sacrificial metal(s) in the exhaust gas (steam), wherein an anodic potential is preferably used to drive corrosion of a metal or a composition of metals, thereby converting at least a portion of the steam to hydrogen. (A good reference for electromotive potentials would be the Handbook of Chemistry and Physics by CRC Press.)

The discovered WCT relate to electrolytic methods, processes, systems and apparatus to electro-chemically convert H₂O into O₂ and H₂. It is to be understood that under the best of engineered circumstances, the electrical energy required by electrolysis to convert H₂O into O₂ and H₂ will be greater than the energy obtained by the combustion of O₂ and H₂. However, electrolysis allows for significant improvements in the efficiency of combustion by reclaiming energy which would otherwise be lost.

Whether electrical energy is generated from the steam of combustion or from at least one of mechanical energy conversion, steam energy conversion, light energy conversion, wind energy conversion or water wheel energy conversion, once the capital cost of conversion equipment is in place, the cost of energy conversion is limited to equipment maintenance expense. Four types of available electrical energy generation are discovered: mechanical energy, steam energy, moving air (wind) or water energy and photovoltaic (sun) energy.

Electrolysis may create enough fuel from H₂O at a very low energy conversion cost to increase the efficiency of the entire combustion system. The application of the internal combustion engine is an excellent example of a situation wherein electrolysis may be used to turn H₂O into a fuel source (potential energy). The internal combustion engine, once in operation, turns normally at approximately 500 to approximately 6000 rpm and infrequently in specially engineered situation to approximately 10,000 to 20,000 rpm. There are many situations in the operation of combustion engines wherein a generator either located on the drive shaft or activated by a transmission device and driven by the drive shaft, could be turned by the mechanical energy of the combustion engine to create an electrical current for the electrolytic conversion of H₂O into O₂ and H₂. In addition, to the extent that H₂O is utilized to control the combustion temperature of the combustion system is to the extent that a steam driven turbine generator can be further utilized in the exhaust stream of the WCT to create electricity. Electricity can then be used for the electrolysis of H₂O into O₂ and H₂. Once the capital cost of either the mechanical driven generator or the steam driven generator has been made, the conversion cost of the mechanical or steam energy to electricity is limited to equipment maintenance expense. This same cost/benefit scenario would apply to a moving air (wind) or water driven generator, as well as to the photovoltaic system.

The WCT relates to the application of muffler technologies as those technologies are known and used to muffle the noise of combustion. In the case of the internal combustion engine, mufflers are installed to limit the noise produced by combustion. While muffler designs do control the noise or air vibration from a combustion engine, current muffler designs waste available combustion exhaust gas energy. The installation of a steam turbine in the combustion engine exhaust gas stream is preferred to produce an electrical current. It is preferred that the steam turbine absorb air vibration from combustion. It is preferred to install easily oxidized metal(s) in a contact/muffler chamber to create H₂ from the steam produced in the combustion systems. The combination of a steam driven turbine generator and catalytic conversion metal(s) in the exhaust would be a most preferred combination to convert the steam energy of the exhaust gases from the combustion systems into electrical energy, while muffling the air vibration in the exhaust gases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained when the following description of the preferred embodiments are considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 1A provide a key to the symbols of Flow Diagram 1 and FIGS. 2 through 24.

FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram form a general thermodynamic description of a traditional hydrocarbon combustion engine.

FIG. 2A illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, processes, systems and apparatus to manage H₂O, O₂, H₂ and air in the discovered WCT combustion engine.

FIG. 3 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, processes, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates alternate methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create electricity for electrolysis to convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂.

FIG. 4 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂.

FIG. 5 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O₂.

FIG. 6 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: 2 and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂, as well as electrolysis to convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂.

FIG. 7 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: ° 2 and H₂; air and H₂, O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the combustion temperature and the fuel system incorporates the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O₂, as well as electricity for electrolysis to convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂.

FIG. 8 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: ° 2 and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂, along with the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O₂, as well as electrolysis to convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂.

FIG. 9 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates the separation of air into nitrogen and O₂ with at least one of membranes and PSA.

FIG. 10 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates the separation of air into nitrogen and O₂ with at least one of membranes and PSA, as well as electrolysis to convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂.

FIG. 11 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂, along with the separation of air into nitrogen and O₂ with at least one of membranes and PSA, as well as alternate methods, processes, systems and apparatus to create electricity for electrolysis to convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂.

FIG. 12 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂, along with the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O₂.

FIG. 13 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂, along with the separation of air into nitrogen and O₂ with at least one of membranes and PSA.

FIG. 14 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for heating the combustion mixture for a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.

FIG. 15 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O₂—FIG. 16 illustrates in block diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates the separation of air into nitrogen and O₂ with at least one of membranes and PSA.

FIG. 17 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂, along with the cryogenic distillation of air into nitrogen and O₂.

FIG. 18 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature, and wherein the fuel system incorporates catalytic conversion of steam into H₂, along with the separation of air into nitrogen and O₂ with at least one of membranes and PSA.

FIG. 19 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for heating the combustion mixture for a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.

FIG. 20 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for liquefaction and cooling of O₂ and/or H₂ storage for a combustion engine that is fueled by at least one of O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.

FIGS. 21 and 21A illustrate in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for steam turbine(s), wherein the steam turbine(s) located in and powered by the exhaust of a combustion engine fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.

FIG. 22 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for an air turbine, wherein said air turbine provides electricity to separate H₂O into H₂ and O₂ for a combustion engine, wherein said combustion engine is fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.

FIGS. 23 and 23A illustrate in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for a H₂O turbine, wherein said H₂O turbine provides electricity to separate H₂O into H₂ and O₂ for a combustion engine, wherein said combustion engine is fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.

FIG. 24 illustrates in bock diagram form a general description of proposed methods, procedures, systems and apparatus for pressure control for a combustion engine, wherein said combustion engine is fueled by at least one of: O₂ and H₂; air and H₂; O₂, H₂ and air wherein H₂O is an option to cool the combustion chamber and to cool the combustion temperature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The timing of the invention is significant since global warming is becoming a global political issue. The timing of the invention is significant since the availability of oil and natural gas, the sources of hydrocarbons, are becoming global political issues. The timing of the invention is significant since air pollution is becoming a health issue for much of humanity. The timing of the invention is significant since the market of natural gas (methane, ethane, propane and/or butane) is affecting the production and/or market price of electricity. The WCT presents environmentally friendly combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus, which are efficient and which will require a reasonable amount of tooling to implement. And, in the case of the internal combustion engine, the WCT present a combustion process, which will have a “feel” to the driver which is similar to that of hydrocarbon combustion engines; this “feel” will further implementation of the invention.

The methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT solve the myriad of challenges that have kept hydrogen based combustion technologies from commercialization. These challenges are, yet are not limited to: 1) fuel combustion temperature and the associated combustion engine cost, 2) the volume of fuel required and the associated fuel storage requirements, 3) engine efficiency and the associated fuel required, 4) the generation of NO_(X), 5) engine efficiency and the associated cost of operation, 6) combustion engine size and the associated combustion engine cost, 7) required fuel and fuel storage in general, 8) cost of operation in general, 9) combustion engine cost in general, and in the case of the internal combustion engine 10) an engine that meets customer expectations for feel, efficiency, cost and environmental impact.

The methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT utilize the heat of combustion of O₂ with H₂ as the primary energy source for combustion systems to create energy. A preferred embodiment of the WCT would be a fuel mixture of O₂ and H₂. A most preferred embodiment of the WCT would be to add H₂O to the combustion chamber to control the combustion temperature. It is an embodiment to cool the engine with H₂O in the combustion chamber, wherein the gas of combustion is at least one of water vapor and steam. It is an embodiment to cool combustion with an excess of air. It is a preferred embodiment of WCT to manage the final temperature in the combustion mixture prior to ignition so that the mixture is in at least one of a gaseous or fluid state. It is a preferred embodiment that the combustion methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT be at least one of internal combustion, open flame (heating) combustion and turbine combustion, as these applications are known in the art of combustion science.

Since the storage of O₂ and H₂ would be best accomplished at cryogenic temperatures, cryogenic O₂ and/or cryogenic H₂ can be used to at least partially control combustion temperature. A preferred embodiment of the WCT would be to at least partially control the combustion temperature and/or the engine temperature by the temperature of O₂ and/or H₂. It is most preferred to preheat at least one of: O₂, H₂, and H₂O to a temperature/pressure combination that allows for efficient combustion. To manage this energy it is a preferred embodiment to heat at least one of the: O₂, H₂, combustion H₂O and any combination therein by heat exchange from at least one of: ambient temperature, engine combustion energy, engine exhaust steam energy and radiant energy from an electrical resistant heating device and any combination therein. It is most preferred to preheat at least one of O₂ and H₂ from the ambient temperature prior to heating either: O₂, H₂ or H₂O by heat exchange from at least one of ambient temperature, engine combustion energy, engine exhaust steam energy, an electrical radiant heat energy source and any combination therein. Since the heat capacity of water is much greater than that of water vapor (steam) and the latent heat of vaporization of water is a significant heat sink, it is a most preferred to heat the H₂O to a liquid state and not to a gaseous or fluid state (steam). FIG. 19, approximates the preferred embodiment of heating the combustion mixture. While not most preferred, an embodiment of combustion would be to add H₂O with at least one of N₂ and Ar to the combustion chamber, utilizing as a heat sink the H₂O as well as N₂ and/or Ar to control the combustion temperature. While not preferred, an embodiment would be to utilize air instead of O₂ as a source of O₂, whenever enough O₂ is not available, to combust with H₂ to produce H₂O as the primary combustion product, knowing that NO_(X) will be a secondary combustion product. It is preferred to use an excess of air in the event that air is used instead of O₂ as a source of O₂; excess air is preferred to control combustion temperature and thereby minimize NO_(X) formation in the event that pure O₂ is not available. An embodiment for the combustion of air and H₂ is preferably accomplished with H₂O added to the combustion chamber, thereby utilizing H₂O as a heat sink to reduce the combustion temperature, thereby minimizing NO_(X) production; the use of H₂O as a heat sink has the additional benefit of producing additional steam in the exhaust. For brevity, the methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the most preferred embodiment(s), the preferred embodiment(s) and the embodiment(s) of combustion will be herein after be referred to as WCT. Methods, processes, systems and apparatus for the WCT are approximated in FIGS. 2 through 24.

Cryogenic Distillation—Methods, processes, systems and apparatus for WCT that incorporate Cryogenic distillation are approximated in FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 12, 15 and 17. Cryogenic distillation principals incorporated into the WCT are those principles as are known in the art of cryogenic distillation. It is to be understood that per the Vapor-Liquid-Equilibrium diagram for each stage of distillation, the temperature of distillation is dependent upon the distillation pressure; higher separation pressures lead to higher separation temperatures. It is to be understood that the N₂/O₂ separation portion contains either one, two or three columns for the production of O₂, depending on the purity desired; the second column may be eliminated to reach purities of O₂ which are less than that of pure O₂. The third column is desired to separate Ar from O₂, thereby producing very pure O₂.

A most preferred embodiment is to cool the air for distillation utilizing at least one of the Joule Thompson Effect and counter-current heat exchange. A preferred embodiment is to cool the air for distillation utilizing at least one of the Joule Thompson Effect and the vaporization of a liquid. An embodiment is to cool the air for distillation utilizing at least one of the Joule Thompson Effect and the expansion of a gas doing work in an engine. A most preferred embodiment is to operate the first stage distillation column at 100 to 200 psia. A preferred embodiment is to operate the first stage distillation column at atmospheric to 500 psia. A preferred embodiment is the use of recycled N₂ as a heat sink, wherein said N₂ is used to cool at least one of O₂ storage, H₂ storage, a cooling system of the combustion engine, a cooling system for electrolysis, the combustion engine, electrolysis, air in an air conditioning system, any portion of cryogenic distillation of air and/or any combination therein. A most preferred embodiment is to cryogenically distill air, wherein the energy utilized for cryogenic separation is energy generated by the WCT and wherein the separated O₂ from cryogenic distillation is utilized as a fuel in the WCT.

FIGS. 5, 7, 8, 12, 15 and 17 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT, wherein cryogenic distillation is used to separate air, wherein O₂ from said separation is used as a fuel in said WCT.

Membranes—Membranes, of either organic or inorganic construction, can effectively be used to separate air into O₂. Membrane separation principals incorporated into the WCT are to be those principles as known in the art of membrane separation. Staged membrane separation is preferred to produce very pure O₂. With the use of inorganic or organic polymer membranes, it is preferred to place an electrical potential across a membrane designed to hold an electrical potential to facilitate separation. It is most preferred to utilize at least one of organic and inorganic membranes to separate air, wherein the O₂ from said separation is used as a fuel in WCT. It is most preferred to utilize the energy of combustion from WCT to provide energy, wherein said energy powers the flow of air through said membrane(s), wherein said membrane separates air, wherein the O₂ from said separation is used as a fuel in WCT.

PSA—Whether of positive pressure or vacuum adsorption, PSA can effectively be used to separate air. PSA principals incorporated into the WCT are those principles as are known in the art of PSA. While there are material designs for the adsorption of O₂ as well as N₂, it is preferred to perform O₂ adsorption to minimize the size of PSA. It is most preferred to utilize PSA to separate air, wherein the O₂ from said separation is used as a fuel in WCT. It is most preferred to utilize the energy of combustion from the WCT to provide energy, wherein said energy powers said PSA, wherein said PSA separates air, wherein the O₂ from said separation is used as a fuel in the WCT.

FIGS. 9, 10, 11, 13, 16 and 18 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus of the WCT, wherein at least one of organic membrane(s), inorganic membrane(s), PSA and/or any combination therein is used to separate air, wherein O₂ from said separation is used as a fuel in said WCT. In these figures, liquefaction of either H₂ or O₂ is a depicted option. It is preferred to utilize warm generated O₂ and H₂ in combustion as a first preference over liquefied O₂ or H₂; therefore, it is most preferred that any liquefaction be performed in storage as depicted in FIG. 20.

The WCT relates to chemical methods of producing H₂ from steam, since steam is the physical state of the water product from the WCT. FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17 and 18 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus discovered in this aspect of the WCT. The WCT converts steam into H₂ utilizing the corrosion process. A preferred embodiment is to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H₂ utilizing the corrosion of at least one metal. A most preferred embodiment is to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H₂, wherein said H₂ is produced by the corrosion of at least one metal, wherein that corrosion is enhanced by an electrical current in the metal(s). A preferred embodiment to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H₂, wherein said H₂ is created by the corrosion of at least one metal, wherein said H₂ is used as a fuel in said WCT. A most preferred embodiment is to chemically convert the steam produced by WCT into H₂, wherein said H₂ is created by the corrosion of at least one metal, wherein said corrosion is enhanced by an electrical current in the metal(s), wherein said H₂ is used as a fuel in the WCT. In many of these figures liquefaction of H₂ is a depicted option. It is preferred to utilized warm generated H₂ in combustion as a first preference over liquefied H₂; therefore, it is most preferred that any liquefaction be performed in storage as depicted in FIG. 20.

The WCT relate to electrolysis methods, processes, systems and apparatus to electrolytically convert H₂O into O₂ and H₂, wherein said O₂ and H₂ are used as fuel in the WCT. Electrolysis principals incorporated into the WCT are to be those principles as known in the art of electrolysis. FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 approximate the methods, processes, systems and apparatus for electrolysis in the WCT. It is preferred to utilize warm generated O₂ and H₂ in combustion as a first preference over liquefied O₂ or H₂; therefore, it is most preferred that any liquefaction be performed in storage as depicted in FIG. 20. As a most preferred embodiment, the WCT stores energy by the potential chemical energy available in H₂O prior to electrolytic separation, as well as in O₂ and in H₂. Said O₂ and H₂ are available for fuel in the WCT and/or for a fuel cell to create electrical energy. As a most preferred embodiment, the WCT stores energy by the potential chemical energy available in H₂O, wherein said H₂O can electrolytically be converted to O₂ and H₂, wherein at least a portion of said electrolytically converted O₂ and/or H₂ is used as fuel in the WCT and/or in a fuel cell to create electrical energy. As a preferred embodiment, the WCT stores energy by the potential chemical energy available in at least one of: H₂O, O₂, H₂ and any combination therein.

Since many combustion systems, methods, engines and apparatus have a mechanical power output or mechanical energy rotating shaft, nearly all applications of the WCT have the capability to convert available mechanical rotating energy into electrical energy. Conversion of available mechanical rotating energy into electrical energy is preferred utilizing an electrical generation device; most preferably a generator. It is an embodiment that an alternator or dynamo is used, wherein said electrical energy from an alternating current may be converted to a direct current. It is an embodiment for the WCT to perform work other than create electrical energy, generate heat or generate steam, wherein said generator is utilized inversely proportional to the mechanical work or torque performed by the WCT. It is a preferred embodiment that the mechanical rotating energy produced by the WCT enter a transmission, wherein said transmission engage in a manner that is inversely proportional to the torque and/or work output of the WCT, wherein said transmission output mechanical rotating energy turn said generator to create said electrical energy. Said transmission is to be as is known in the art. It is most preferred that said transmission engage a flywheel capable of storing rotational kinetic energy, wherein said flywheel turns said generator. FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 11 approximate methods, processes, systems and apparatus to recycle mechanical rotating energy as discovered. A preferred embodiment is the conversion of mechanical rotating energy created by the WCT into electrical energy utilizing an electrical generator device. A most preferred embodiment is wherein said electrical energy from said electrical generator device is utilized in the electrolysis of H₂O into H₂ and O₂. A most preferred embodiment is the conversion of mechanical rotating energy created by the WCT into electrical energy utilizing an electrical generator device, wherein said electrical energy is utilized in the electrolysis of H₂O into H₂ and O₂, wherein said H₂ and/or O₂ is used as fuel in the WCT.

Fuel Storage—By the ideal gas law (PV=nRT), it can be surmised that the efficiency of compression and efficiency of storage for O₂ and/or H₂ increases significantly if the O₂ and/or the H₂ is stored at cryogenic temperatures. It is preferred to store at least one of H₂ and/or O₂ at cryogenic temperatures. It is preferred to store at least one of H₂ and/or O₂ in a liquid state. Due to the explosive and flammable nature of H₂ and O₂, it is preferred to utilize N₂ as a refrigerant for the storage of at least one of H₂ and O₂. Due to the negative Joule Thompson curve for H₂, it is most preferred to cool H₂ prior to any attempted cryogenic chilling or liquefaction. Due to the rather extreme explosive nature of O₂, it is preferred to limit the required storage of O₂ with preference to any of said O₂ generating technologies (cryogenic distillation, membrane separation and/or PSA). To maintain fuel storage temperatures, it is preferred to operate a compressor for at least one of liquefaction of O₂, chilling of O₂, liquefaction of H₂, chilling of H₂ and any combination therein. It is most preferred that said compressor be powered by the WCT. FIG. 20, illustrates in block diagram form chilling and/or liquefaction of O₂ and/or H₂.

Since nearly all applications of WCT have an engine exhaust, nearly all applications of the WCT will have the ability to convert combustion exhaust energy into electrical energy. It is preferred to insulate the WCT, as is known in the art of insulation, to manage energy. Insulation is most preferred in the WCT and the WCT exhaust, to thereby minimize WCT enthalpy losses. Conversion of exhaust energy is preferably performed utilizing a steam turbine. FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21 and 21A approximate the methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert steam energy into electrical energy. Steam turbine principals incorporated into the WCT are those principles as are known in the art of steam turbine technology. A preferred embodiment is the conversion of steam energy, wherein said steam energy is created by the WCT, wherein said steam energy is converted into electrical energy utilizing at least one steam turbine, wherein said steam turbine(s) turns at least one generator creating said electrical energy. It is preferred that said electrical energy be regulated. In the case wherein an alternator is used, it is preferred that said electrical energy be converted from an alternating current to a direct current, as is known in the art. A most preferred embodiment is wherein at least a portion said electrical energy is utilized in the electrolysis of H₂O into H₂ and O₂. A most preferred embodiment is the conversion of steam energy created by the WCT into electrical energy utilizing at least one steam turbine, wherein each said steam turbine(s) turn a generator device, wherein said generator device(s) creates an electrical current, wherein at least a portion of said electrical current is utilized in the electrolysis of H₂O into H₂ and O₂, wherein at least a portion of said H₂ and/or O₂ is used as fuel in said WCT.

It is preferred that many applications of the WCT perform some type of movement; therefore many applications of the WCT will have an available source of moving air or moving water. Applications of the WCT will have the ability to convert the energy of moving air or water. FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 22 approximate the methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert moving air energy into electrical energy. A preferred embodiment of the WCT is the conversion of the energy of moving air or water into electrical energy, wherein said electrical energy is created by a generator from the moving air or water utilizing a generator which turns in direct consequence of the moving air or water, wherein at least a portion of said electrical energy is utilized in the electrolysis of H₂O into H₂ and O₂. It is preferred that said electrical energy be regulated. In the case wherein an alternating current is created, it is preferred that said electrical energy be converted to a direct current. A most preferred embodiment is use of at least a portion of said H₂ and/or O₂ as fuel in the WCT.

Steam Turbine Method, Process and System

The energy of steam is measured in temperature and in pressure. Assuming saturated steam, steam energy is measured by pressure alone, i.e. the steam is normally termed 150, 300 or 400 psig steam, etc. Only in the case superheated steam is steam energy measured by both pressure and temperature. Steam looses temperature and pressure as steam energy is used and/or lost. Upon loosing energy, steam temperature and pressure (usually just measured as pressure) reduces and the steam begins condensing water. Once all of the steam energy is depleted, there is no pressure or water vapor, just hot water. Using this knowledge, one may expect all electrical generation facilities to use every last BTU or psig of steam. Such is not done, because such is not economical, given the required investment in pollution control equipment, heat transfer equipment (boilers) and in steam turbines. It is common for steam generation facilities to operate the final stage of electrical generation wherein the final steam turbine operates at less than atmospheric pressure, 14.7 PSIA=0 PSIG. However, in the case of WCT, pollution control equipment is minimized in combustion and heat transfer equipment is eliminated, thereby reducing investment and improving heat transfer. Heat transfer equipment is minimized or eliminated because the exhaust of the WCT Engine, steam, is directly transferred to the steam turbine. In the case of hydrocarbon combustion, energy of the hot gasses of combustion are transferred via a heat exchanger to water, thereby creating steam, after which said hot gases are transferred to environmental protection equipment. Said heat exchanger(s) are normally called boilers. The discovered WCT eliminate the need for boilers to generate steam, thereby improving heat transfer, thereby improving steam generation efficiency.

It is preferred that steam turbine(s) of the WCT be installed in a configuration, wherein the exhaust of the WCT turn said steam turbine(s). Removal of steam energy is most preferably performed in a staged system, wherein at each stage a portion of the energy of the steam is removed by a steam turbine and the resulting condensation is removed prior to the next steam turbine or stage of energy removal. It is most preferred that all of the steam energy (pressure) be removed by the steam turbine/water removal system(s). It is most preferred that the condensation generated during the generation of electricity be transferred to electrolysis. It is preferred that at least a portion of the energy of the steam (pressure) be removed by the steam turbine/water removal system. FIGS. 21 and 21A approximates the methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert steam energy into electrical energy.

Air and Water Motion Turbine Method and System

The energy of moving air or water is measured in mass and velocity. Since the mass of air or water into an air or water turbine is equals the mass out of said turbine, the change in velocity is the measure of energy removal. That energy difference can be directly calculated using the laws of physics, specifically kinetic energy. However, it must be noted that the difference in velocity, the removed energy, which can be converted into electrical energy by the turbine will have an opposite drag force. For a stationary combustion engine of the discovered WCT, said drag force can be counterbalanced by the support structure of the turbine. However, in transportation applications wherein the drag force is counter to the direction of motion, said drag force will reduce transportation efficiency. In transportation applications, the vehicle inherently contains a drag force that reduces transportation efficiency. To the extent that said contained drag force can be utilized to convert moving air or water energy into electrical energy at a cost that is less than the energy losses in said contained drag force, is to the extent that said wind and/or water turbine will have practical application. One such application is that of a sail boat, wherein the drag force is in the same direction as the direction of motion. FIG. 22 approximates WCT methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert moving air energy into electrical energy.

In water applications, wave energy (vertical energy) is much greater than the energy of the water's movement (horizontal energy). It is preferred in water applications that a generator be driven by the energy of the vertical wave movement. FIGS. 23 and 23A approximates WCT methods, processes, systems and apparatus to convert moving water energy into electrical energy. It is preferred to use said electrical energy from said water energy to electrolytically convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂. It is most preferred to use said H₂ and/or said O₂ as fuel for said WCT.

Photovoltaic Cells

Wherein light is available, it is an embodiment to utilize photovoltaic cells to create electricity. It is preferred to use said electricity from said photovoltaic cells to electrolytically convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂—It is most preferred to use said H₂ and/or said O₂ as fuel for the WCT.

Fuel Cells

Wherein electricity is required, it is an embodiment to utilize fuel cells to create electricity. In such applications, H₂ and potentially O₂ with a fuel cell would replace a battery. It is preferred to create said electricity with a fuel cell when the WCT is not in operation. It is preferred to utilize a fuel cell to power a compressor for chilling and/or liquefaction of H₂ and/or O₂. It is most preferred to utilize the WCT to create electricity. It is preferred that said fuel cell be powered by hydrogen and at least one of O₂ and air.

Heating

The discovered WCT is especially suited for applications to generate heat. Heat generation may be performed using the WCT in both industrial and domestic applications. In the case of heating a gas or a liquid, the heat energy of the WCT can be effectively transferred via any heat exchange equipment as is known in the art of heat transfer.

In the case of heating air, it is most preferred that the exhaust of combustion be discharged directly into said air to be heated. In the case of heating air to be used in an enclosed human, plant and/or animal application, wherein the combustion components are at least one of: O₂ and H₂, and O₂, H₂ and H₂O, it is most preferred that at least a portion of the exhaust of combustion discharge directly into said air, thereby providing humidified heated air.

In the case of heating water, it is most preferred that the exhaust of combustion discharge directly into said water to be heated, wherein the water heater or hot water storage has a vent to release generated NO_(X). In the case of heating water, wherein the combustion components are at least one of: O₂ and H₂, and O₂, H₂ and H₂O, it is most preferred that the exhaust of combustion can be discharged directly into said water to be heated, and wherein the water heater or hot water storage has a pressure relief device, as is known in the art.

It is most preferred in heating applications that the WCT create electricity, as well as heat the subject gas and/or liquid. Configurations for the heating of a gas or a liquid are limited to the creativity of the designer; however, configurations approximating the WCT, wherein the heating of a gas or a liquid is performed is approximated in FIGS. 2 through 18, wherein heat transfer can be performed either in the exhaust of said combustion or in the block of said WCT (CE). (In this case cooling said CE is not a loss of efficiency since the removed heat has a purpose.)

Cooling

The discovered WCT is especially suited for applications to remove heat. Heat removal may be performed using the WCT, wherein at least one of: cryogenic distillation is performed and/or the WCT provides mechanical energy, wherein said mechanical energy powers a refrigeration system. In the case of cooling a gas or a liquid, the heat sink capability of the chilled N₂ from said cryogenic distillation is preferably transferred via heat exchange equipment, as is known in the art of heat transfer. In the case of cooling a gas or a liquid, a refrigeration unit is preferably used, wherein said refrigeration unit is powered by energy is created by the WCT.

In the case of cooling air or water, it is most preferred that the heat sink capability of the chilled N₂ from said cryogenic distillation be transferred either directly to said air and/or via any heat exchange technology as is known in the art of heat transfer.

It is most preferred in cooling applications that the WCT create electricity, as well as cool a gas and/or liquid. System configurations for the cooling of a gas or a liquid are limited to the creativity of the designer.

Water Chemistry

Water is the most efficient and economical method of storing O₂ and/or H₂. Electrolysis of water is the preferred method of converting stored H₂O into combustible H₂ and/or O₂. Electrolysis is best performed with a dissolved electrolyte in the water; the dissolved electrolyte, most preferably a salt, will improve conductivity in the water, thereby reducing the required electrical energy to perform electrolysis. It is an embodiment to perform electrolysis upon water that contains an electrolyte. It is preferred to perform electrolysis upon water that contains a salt. It is most preferred to perform electrolysis upon water that contains polyelectrolytes. However, many dissolved cation(s) and anion(s) combination(s) can precipitate over time reducing the efficiency of electrolysis. Due to inherent solubility, it is a preferred embodiment to perform electrolysis upon water that contains a Group IA/Group VIIA salt (including acids). Further, as temperature is increased, hard water contaminants may precipitate; therefore, it is preferred that the water of electrolysis be distilled or de-ionized prior to the addition of a Group IA/Group VIIA salt. Since electrolytic processes create heat, it is preferred to cool electrolysis. It is most preferred to cool electrolysis with the available heat sink from the N₂ available from the cryogenic distillation of air.

A dispersant is preferably added to water to prevent scale. Dispersants are low molecular weight polymers, usually organic acids having a molecular weight of less than 25,000 and preferably less than 10,000. Dispersant chemistry is based upon carboxylic chemistry, as well as alkyl sulfate, alkyl sulfite and alkyl sulfide chemistry; it is the oxygen atom that creates the dispersion, wherein oxygen takes its form in the molecule as a carboxylic moiety and/or a sulfoxy moiety. Dispersants that can be used which contain the carboxyl moiety are, but are not limited to: acrylic polymers, acrylic acid, polymers of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid, itaconic acid, crotonic acid, cinnamic acid, vinyl benzoic acid, any polymers of these acids and/or any combination therein. Dispersants that can be used contain the alkyl sulfoxy or allyl sulfoxy moieties include any alkyl or allyl compound, which is water soluble containing a moiety that is at least one of: SO, SO₂, SO₃, and/or any combination therein. Due to the many ways in which an organic molecule can be designed to contain the carboxyl moiety and/or the sulfoxy moiety, it is an embodiment that any water soluble organic compound containing at least one of a carboxylic moiety and/or a sulfoxy moiety. (This is with the knowledge that not all dispersants have equivalent dispersing properties.) Acrylic polymers exhibit very good dispersion properties, thereby limiting the deposition of water soluble salts and are most preferred embodiments as a dispersant. The limitation in the use of a dispersant is in the dispersants water solubility in combination with its carboxylic nature and/or sulfoxy nature.

Water is inherently corrosive to metals. Water naturally oxidizes metals, some with a greater oxidation rate than others. To minimize corrosion, it is preferred that the water have a pH of equal to or greater than 7.5, wherein the alkalinity of the pH is from the hydroxyl anion. Further, to prevent corrosion or deposition of water deposits on steam turbines, it is preferred to add a corrosion inhibitor to the water. It is an embodiment to utilize nitrogen containing corrosion inhibitors, such as hydrazine, as is known in the art.

Corrosion inhibitors are added to water to prevent corrosion. Chelants can be used to prevent corrosion, as well as complex and prevent the deposition of many cations, including hardness and heavy metals. Chelants or chelating agents are compounds having a heterocyclic ring wherein at least two kinds of atoms are joined in a ring. Chelating is forming a heterocyclic ring compound by joining a chelating agent to a metal ion. Chelants contain a metal ion attached by coordinate bonds (i.e. a covalent chemical bond is produced when an atom shares a pair of electrons with an atom lacking such a pair) to at least two nonmetal ions in the same heterocyclic ring. Examples of the number of chelants used for mineral deposition in the present invention are water soluble phosphates consisting of phosphate, phosphate polymers, phosphate monomers and/or any combination thereof. The phosphate polymers consist of, but are not limited to, phosphoric acid esters, metaphosphates, hexametaphosphates, pyrophosphates and/or any combination thereof. Phosphate polymers are particularly effective in dispersing magnesium silicate, magnesium hydroxide and calcium phosphates. Phosphate polymers are particularly effective at corrosion control. With proper selection of a polymer, along with maintaining an adequate polymer concentration level, the surface charge on particle(s) can be favorably altered. In addition to changing the surface charge, polymers also function by distorting crystal growth. Chelants lock the metals in the water into soluble organic ring structures of the chelants. Chelants provide reactive sites that attract coordination sites (i.e. areas of the ion that are receptive to chemical bonding) of the cations. Iron, for example, has six coordination sites. All coordination sites of the iron ion are used to form a stable metal chelant. Chelants combine with cations such as calcium, magnesium, iron and copper that could otherwise form deposits. The resulting chelated particles are water soluble. The effectiveness of chelant(s) is limited by the concentration of competing anions, alkalinity and temperature.

The effect of adding sufficient amounts of the number of chelant(s) by the WCT is to reduce available free metal ions in the water and therefore, reduce the phosphate demand. Phosphate, such as phosphoric acid and/or pyrophosphoric acid is used to complex or form metal phosphates, which are insoluble. In the preferred embodiments, phosphate polymers, such as metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate is used as a corrosion inhibitor and as a chelant to prevent correspondingly any precipitation of calcium and/or magnesium, while providing corrosion control. Metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate, as well as polymers based upon this chemistry, soften the water by removing the free calcium and/or magnesium ions from the water and by bringing the metal ions into a soluble slightly-ionized compound or radical. In addition, the water containing any excess metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate will actually dissolve any phosphate or carbonate which may deposit. Metaphosphate and/or hexametaphosphate do not throw the metal ions out of solution as is the case of usual water softening compounds, but rather lock up the metal ions in a metaphosphate and/or a hexametaphosphate complex molecule, these molecules provide a one or two molecule thickness coating on metal surfaces to limit metal corrosion. This is particularly important for heavy metal materials.

Operating Pressure Relief

The WCT will have applications wherein the recycling or uses of the exhaust gasses of combustion create high operating pressures. Further, it is very feasible that there may be unintended operating situations, wherein the operating pressure becomes greater than the design pressure of the equipment employed; any such situation can be a significant safety issue. In the case of the internal combustion engine, a significant industry paradigm shift may be required for the industry to even consider trapping and recycling combustion engine exhaust gases. The discovered WCT will contain at least one of: H₂, N₂, O₂, H₂O and/or any combination therein at various pressures in many aspects of the invention. To ensure that the WCT operate safely, in the event of an equipment operating failure or of equipment operating in excess of the intended pressure, pressure relief is preferred. Pressure relief can limit the potential event of a catastrophic failure. It is preferred that pressure relief device(s) be installed throughout the WCT as those devices are known in the art and as are normally located via a Failure Mode and Effect Analysis and/or a Fault Tree Analysis. Example devices include pressure relief valves, rupture discs and pressure relief control loops. It is most preferred that a pressure relief device be installed downstream of any compression generating portion of the WCT. As such, it is most preferred that pressure relief device(s) be installed immediately downstream of any compressor and in the combustion engine exhaust. FIGS. 2 through 18 approximate the location of pressure control/relief in the combustion engine exhaust. FIG. 24 approximates pressure relief designs.

WCT Engine and Apparatus

Referring to FIGS. 3 through 18, a combustion engine (CE) is symbolically shown for receiving as fuel H₂ and at least one of: O₂ and air. Said combustion engine may be of any type, wherein combustion is performed to generate at least one of: mechanical torque, heat, thrust, electricity and/or any combination therein. It is preferred that H₂O be received in the combustion chamber, along with said fuel, said H₂O in the combustion chamber is to be termed combustion H₂O.

H₂ flowing to CE is to have a flow. ° 2 flowing to CE to have a flow. Air flowing to CE is to have a flow. Means to measure said H₂ flow, measure said O₂ flow and measure said air flow are to be provided such that a proportional signal in relation to flow is sent to the CE controller (CONT) from each of said H₂ flow measuring device, said O₂ flow measuring device and said air flow measuring device. H₂ flowing to CE is to have flow valve(s). O₂ flowing to CE to have flow control valve(s). Air flowing to CE is to have flow control device(s) in the form of a valve or a compressor. CONT is to have as input said H₂ flow signal, said O₂ flow signal and said air flow signal. Said controller is to receive an input signal from an external source indicating the combustion setpoint Said controller is to compare said combustion setpoint to said H₂ flow signal, sending a proportional signal to said H₂ flow control valve that is in proportion to the difference in the combustion setpoint and the H₂ flow signal, thereby proportioning said H₂ flow control valve. CONT is to compare said O₂ flow signal and said air flow signal to an H₂/O₂ ratio setpoint, providing a proportional signal to an O₂ flow control valve and to an air flow control device, wherein: said H₂ flow, said O₂ flow and said air flow are such that the molar ratio of H₂/O₂ is approximately 2:1. In the case wherein said O₂ flow control valve signal is not near approximately 100%, CONT sends a signal to close said air flow control device. In the case wherein said O₂ flow control valve signal is near approximately 100%, CONT compares said O₂ flow signal and said air flow signal to said H₂/O₂ ratio setpoint obtaining an air flow difference, sending a proportional signal to said air flow control device that is in proportion to said difference, thereby proportioning said air flow control device.

To conserve energy, as depicted in FIG. 20, it is preferred that the H₂ flow control valve(s) consist of a two staged system of flow control valves. The first H₂ flow control valve, downstream of generated H₂ and downstream of H₂ storage is to control H₂ flow to CE. The second H₂ flow control valve (for installations that have generated H₂) is to be located from the generated H₂ line and be located in the H₂ line flow from H₂ storage. The second H₂ flow control valve is to remain closed until the first H₂ control valve is near approximately 100% open (thereby assuring full usage of generated H₂ prior usage of stored H₂) at which time the second H₂ flow control valve will begin opening to supply H₂ from storage.

To conserve energy, as depicted in FIG. 20, it is preferred that the O₂ flow control valve(s) consist of two staged flow control valves. The first O₂ flow control valve, downstream of generated O₂ and downstream of O₂ storage is to control O₂ flow to CE. The second O₂ flow control valve is to be located from the generated O₂ line and be located in the O₂ line flow from O₂ storage. The second O₂ flow control valve is to remain closed until the first O₂ control valve is near approximately 100% open (thereby assuring full usage of generated O₂ prior usage of stored O₂) at which time the second O₂ flow control valve will begin opening to supply O₂ from storage.

It is preferred that said combustion H₂O have flow to said combustion chamber(s) in CE. It is preferred that a source of coolant flow to and/or through the block of CE. It is preferred that a temperature measurement device have a means of measuring combustion temperature and/or CE block temperature near the combustion chamber(s) of CE. Means to measure said combustion H₂O flow and measure said combustion temperature are to be provided such that a proportional signal is sent to a controller (CONT) from each of said combustion H₂O flow measuring device and said combustion temperature measuring device. CONT is to have as input said combustion H₂O flow signal, afore said H₂ flow signal and said temperature signal. It is preferred that CONT have a hot temperature setpoint, a coolant temperature setpoint, a warm temperature setpoint and an H₂/H₂O ratio setpoint. It is preferred that CONT compare afore said H₂ flow signal and said combustion H₂O flow signal to said H₂/H₂O ratio setpoint, in combination with comparing said temperature signal to said warm temperature setpoint, said coolant temperature setpoint, said hot temperature setpoint and provide a proportional signal to said combustion H₂O flow control vale and to said coolant flow control valve.

In the case wherein said temperature signal is less than said warm temperature setpoint, less than said coolant temperature setpoint and less than said hot temperature setpoint, it is preferred that CONT send a signal to said coolant flow control valve to close said coolant flow control valve; and send a signal to said combustion H₂O flow control valve to close said combustion H₂O flow control valve.

In the case wherein said temperature signal is equal to or greater than said warm temperature setpoint, less than said coolant temperature setpoint and less than said hot temperature setpoint, it is preferred that CONT send a signal to said coolant flow control valve to close said coolant flow control valve; and send a signal to said combustion H₂O flow control valve, wherein said signal is proportional to the difference between said measured temperature signal and the warm temperature setpoint, and wherein the H₂/H₂O ratio is greater than said H₂/H₂O ratio setpoint, thereby proportioning said combustion H₂O flow control valve.

In the case of said temperature signal greater than said warm temperature setpoint, equal to or greater than said coolant setpoint and less than said hot temperature setpoint, it is preferred that CONT send a signal to the combustion H₂O flow control valve, wherein the H₂/H₂O ratio is equal to said H₂/H₂O ratio setpoint, thereby proportioning said combustion water flow control valve; and send a signal to said coolant flow control valve, wherein said signal is proportional to the difference between said temperature signal and said coolant setpoint, thereby proportioning said coolant flow control valve.

In the case wherein the temperature signal is greater than said warm temperature setpoint, greater than said coolant setpoint and equal to or greater than said hot temperature setpoint, it is preferred that CONT send a signal to open the combustion H₂O flow control valve 100%, which obtains a H₂/H₂O ratio less than said H₂/H₂O setpoint; and send a signal in proportion to the difference between the temperature signal and said coolant setpoint to said coolant flow valve, thereby proportioning said coolant flow control valve; and send a signal to said H₂ flow control valve, thereby closing said H₂ flow control valve; and send a signal to said O₂ flow control valve, thereby closing said O₂ flow control valve; and send a signal to said air flow control device, thereby closing said air flow control device.

It is most preferred that the WCT Engine operate at a temperature between said warm temperature setpoint and said coolant temperature setpoint. It is preferred that energy not leave the WCT engine via coolant. It is most preferred that required engine cooling be performed by the addition of combustion H₂O to the combustion chamber(s).

Said WCT Engine is to preferably obtain O₂ from at least one of: O₂ storage, cryogenic distillation, membrane separation, PSA, electrolysis of H₂O and/or any combination therein. Said cryogenic distillation is to obtain O₂ from at least one of air and/or electrolysis of H₂O. Said membrane separation and/or said PSA is preferably to obtain O₂ from air. Said cryogenic distillation and/or said membrane separation and/or said PSA is to preferably be powered by said WCT Engine. Said O₂ storage is to preferably be performed at cryogenic temperatures. The mechanical energy for said cryogenic storage is preferably created by said WCT Engine.

Said WCT Engine is preferably to obtain H₂ from at least one of: H₂ storage, steam corrosion of a metal(s), electrolysis of H₂O and/or any combination therein. Said steam, to produce H₂ from said corrosion, is preferably an exhaust product of said WCT Engine. Said H₂ storage is to preferably be performed at cryogenic temperatures. The mechanical energy for said cryogenic storage is preferably created by said WCT Engine.

Afore said electrolysis of H₂O is preferably to obtain electrical energy for electrolysis from a generator driven by at least one of: a steam turbine, mechanical rotating energy, an air turbine powered by the energy of moving air, a water turbine powered by the energy of moving water and/or any combination therein and/or photovoltaic cell(s). It is preferred that said electrical energy be regulated. In the case wherein an alternator or dynamo is used, it is preferred that said electrical energy be converted from an alternating current to a direct current. Said steam turbine is most preferably powered by steam generated by afore said WCT Engine. Said mechanical rotating energy is preferably powered by afore said WCT Engine.

The WCT Engine is to preferably generate mechanical energy in the form of torque. It is preferred that said mechanical energy turn a generator, wherein said generator create electrical energy. Exhaust from said WCT Engine is preferably to turn a steam turbine, wherein said steam turbine turns a generator, wherein said generator creates electrical energy. It is preferred that at least a portion of said electrical energy is used to electrolytically convert H₂O into H₂ and O₂. It is most preferred to use a portion of said H₂ and/or said O₂ as fuel for said WCT Engine.

Materials of construction for the WCT Engine, the fuel and energy management systems and apparatus are to be those as known in the art for each application as said application is otherwise performed in the subject art. For example, various composite and metal alloys are known and used as materials for use at cryogenic temperatures. Various composite and metal alloys are known and used as materials for use at operating temperatures of over 500° F. Various ceramic materials can be conductive, perform at operating temperatures of over 2,000° F., act as an insulator, act as a semiconductor and/or perform other functions. Various iron compositions and alloys are known for their performance in combustion engines that operate approximately in the 200 to 1,500° F. range. Titanium and titanium alloys are known to operate over 2,000 and 3,000° F. Tantalum and tungsten are known to operate well over 3,000° F. It is preferred to have at least a portion of the construction of the WCT Engine contain an alloy composition wherein at least one of: a period 4, period 5 and/or a period 6 heavy metal is used, as that metal(s) is known in the art to perform individually or to combine in an alloy to limit corrosion and/or perform in a cryogenic temperature application and/or perform in a temperature application over 1,000° F. While aluminum is lightweight and can perform limited structural applications, aluminum is limited in application temperature. Due to the operating temperatures involved in the WCT Engine, thermoplastic materials are not preferred unless the application of use takes into account the glass transition temperature and the softening temperature of the thermoplastic material.

Example 1

A traditional gasoline internal combustion engine obtains approximately 20 miles per gallon. Performing an energy balance on the engine, according to FIG. 2:

E _(F) =E _(W) +E _(EX) +E _(C) +E _(fric) +C _(E)

E _(F)=20 mpg+≈35% E _(F)+≈35% E _(F)+≈9% E _(F)+≈1% E _(F)

E _(F) =E _(W)+≈80% E_(F) in energy losses for internal CE(s).

E _(F)=20 mpg+80% E_(F); E_(F)=100 mpg and E_(W)≈20% E_(F)

Again,

E _(F) =E _(W) +E _(EX) +E _(C) +E _(fric) +C _(E)

-   -   Assuming: 1) complete engine insulation, 2) a steam turbine with         80% efficiency, 2) a generator with 90% efficiency and 3) an         electrolysis unit with 80% efficiency turns E_(X) and E_(C)         together into approximately 30% E_(F)

Using WCT,

E _(F) =E _(W)+30% E_(F)+≈9% E _(F)+≈1% E_(F)

E _(F) =E _(W)+≈40% E_(F) (energy losses); E _(W)(WCT)=60% E_(F)

Example 2

Referencing CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, the total available combustion energy for n-Octane is approximately 1,300 kcal/mole; at 114 lb/lb mole E_(F)=11.4 kcal/g and at 454 g/lb. E_(F)=5176 kcal/lb. (This excludes endothermic losses in the formation of NO_(X).) Further, the density of n-Octane is approximately 5.9 lb/gallon, which leads to energy figures for n-Octane in the average automobile:

E_(F)≈100 mpg=17 mile/lb.=5176 kcal/lb.; E_(W)≈20 mpg=3.4 mile/lb.=1143 kcal/lb. The total available energy for the combustion of hydrogen is 68 kcal/mole; at 2 lb/lb mole E_(F)=34 kcal/g=15436 kcal/lb. Therefore, on a mass basis, H₂=34/11.4=3 times more energy per pound.

Using WCT, 60%/20%=3 times more efficient. Correlating, energy figures for WCT in the average automobile:

-   -   First, the fuel availability must be calculated. H₂ is 100% as         delivered. Since cryogenics are at least approximately 16%         efficient, the production of O₂ is conservatively estimated to         be 16% efficient.     -   ⅔×1+⅓×0.16≈70%

(Therefore, approximately 30% of the energy of the H₂ and O₂ is used to generate O₂.)

$\begin{matrix} {E_{F} \approx \frac{17\mspace{14mu} {mile}\text{/}{{lb}.\mspace{14mu} {Octane}} \times 0.70 \times 15436\mspace{14mu} {kcal}\text{/}{{lb}.\mspace{14mu} H_{2}} \times 3}{5176\mspace{14mu} {kcal}\text{/}{{lb}.\mspace{14mu} n}\text{-}{Octane}}} \\ {{= {35.5\mspace{14mu} {miles}\text{/}{{lb}.\mspace{14mu} H_{2}}}};} \end{matrix}$ E_(W) ≈ 21.3  mile/lb.  H₂

(Note: Every mole of H₂ requires ½ mole of generated O₂; therefore, at STP every psig of H₂ requires 0.5 psig of O₂—)

Example 3

According to the Chemical Market Reporter, H₂ has a market price of approximately $0.50/lb. and gasoline has a price of approximately $1.60 per gallon or approximately $0.27 per pound. Utilizing traditional hydrocarbon combustion technology in transportation, the cost per mile for fuel is:

$0.27 per lb./3.4 mile per lb.=$0.08 per mile for gasoline

Utilizing the WCT with $0.50/lb. H₂, the cost per mile for fuel is:

$0.50 per lb./21.3 mile per lb.=$0.023 per mile

(This calculation can be altered to the current market price of hydrogen.)

Example 4

Electrical power plants currently produce electricity using a natural gas turbine followed by a steam turbine, wherein the energy for steam generation is transferred via a boiler from the exhaust gas of the natural gas turbine. As is typical in the industry:

-   -   The efficiency of combustion is approximately 99 percent.     -   The efficiency of the natural gas turbine is approximately 20         percent.     -   The efficiency of the boiler is approximately 85 percent.     -   The efficiency of the steam generator is approximately 90         percent.         Utilizing the above, the efficiency of electricity generation is         approximately:

0.99×0.20+0.99×0.20×0.85×0.90=35 percent

For WCT utilizing the combustion/steam turbine configuration in FIG. 23A, appropriate assumptions for efficiency would be approximately:

-   -   The efficiency of combustion near 99 percent.     -   The efficiency of O₂ generation (cryogenics at least 16%) near         16 percent.     -   Hydrogen is delivered, thereby having 100% delivery efficiency.     -   Heat loss of water at exhaust ((1200° F.-212° F.)/1200° F.)≈80%         percent.     -   Friction losses near 12 percent.         Utilizing the above, the efficiency of electricity generation is         approximately:

0.99×(⅔×1+⅓×0.16)×0.80×0.88=50 percent

(This can be improved if the final steam turbine operates at less than atmospheric pressure.)

Utilizing the above, incorporating:

-   -   An H₂ price of approximately $0.50 per pound.     -   A natural gas price of approximately $6.00 per thousand cubic         feet.     -   A natural gas energy value of approximately 212 kcal/mole.         The cost of electricity production for WCT on a kcal basis is:

(15436 kcal./lb. H₂)×(lb. H₂/$0.50)×0.50=15436 kcal/$

The cost of electricity production for a traditional natural gas plant on a kcal basis is:

First convert cubic feet to pounds at STP and convert to kcal/lb.:

1000 cubic feet (tcf)/360 cubic feet per lb. mole=2.78 lb. mole 2.78 lb. mole×16 lb./lb. mole=44.5 lb. gas; $6.00/44.5 lb. gas=$0.135/lb. gas (212 kcal/mole×454 mole/lb. mole gas)×(lb. mole gas/16 lb. gas)=6016 kcal/lb. gas

Second, estimate economics:

(6016 kcal/lb. gas)×(lb. gas/$0.135)×0.35=15784 kcal/$

Example 5

In residential heating, natural gas is often used. Referencing above, the cost of natural gas heating, assuming 80% heat transfer efficiency is:

($8.00 per tct/45 lb. per tcf)×0.80/13.25 kcal/lb.=$0.011/kcal

For WCT using membranes and referencing above with 40% efficiency:

$0.50/lb.×(⅔×1+⅓×0.40)×0.80/34 kcal/lb.=$0.009/kcal

Example 6

Please refer to Flow Diagram 2.

Thrust=Force=F=dMe/dt Ve−dMo/dt Vo; Let Me=Mo+M_(F), wherein M_(F)=mass of fuel. F=_(to)∫^(tl) _(Vo)∫^(Ve) Me−Mo=_(to)∫^(tl) _(Vo)∫^(Ve) Mo+M_(F)−Mo=_(to)∫^(tl) _(Vo)∫^(Ve) M_(F) For WCT, F_(WCT)=_(to)∫^(tl) _(Vo)∫^(Ve){M_(H2)+M_(O2)+M_(H2O)}; F_(Kerosene)=F_(K)=_(to)∫^(tl) _(Vo)∫^(tl) _(Vo)∫^(Vc){M_(K)+M_(O2)} Assuming the same time integration and the same thrust velocity integration, then the comparison for thrust can be written as:

Is, F_(WCT)≧F_(K)? And, therefore, Is {M_(H2)+M_(O2)+M_(H2O)}≧{M_(K)+M_(O2)}?

And, then is {M_(H2)+M_(H2O)+M_(Air)}≧{M_(K)+M_(Air)}?

And, then is {M_(H2)+M_(H2O)}≧{M_(K)}?

And, then is {M_(H2)+M_(Air)}≧{M_(K)+M_(Air)}?

ΔH_(H2)=51,571 BTU/lb., ΔH_(K)=19,314 BTU/lb.,

H₂+½O₂→H₂O C₁₄H₃₀+ 43/2O₂→14CO₂+15H₂O

1 lb.+8 lb.→9 lb. 1 lb.+3.47 lb.→3.11 lb.+1.36 lb.

Cp_(K)=0.6 BTU ° F./lb., Cp_(H2O)≈0.46 BTU ° F./lb., Cp_(H2)=3.45 BTU ° F./lb., Cp_(Air)=0.46 BTU ° F./lb.; ΔH_(V,H2O)=974 BTU/lb., ΔH_(F,H2O)=144 BTU/lb.,

Kerosene (K) a liquid, H₂ vaporized by ambient temperature Assuming stoichiometric air and thereby the same combustion exhaust temperature≈1000° F., then there is approximately 1000° F. temperature differential to combustion temperature. (Note air is 18% O₂.) Doing an energy balance:

-   -   ΔH Combustion=Σ ΔH's

ΔH_(K)=Cp_(K) (lb. K)(1000)+Cp_(AIR) (3.47/0.18)(1000)+Cp_(AIR)(lb. AIR)(1000)

19,314=(0.6)(1)(1000)+0.46(3.47/0.18)(1000)+0.46(lb. Air)(1000)

-   ∴ 19,314=600+8868+460(lb. Air), Air (cooling)=21 lb., Total     air=21+3.47/0.18=40.3 lb. -   ∴ For K, 1 lb. K/40.3 lb. air=41.3 lb. thrust (1000° F. (40.3 lb.     air/lb. K 1000 ft.³ air/lb. K)

ΔH_(H2)=3.45(1)(1000)+0.46(8/0.18)(1000)+0.46(lb. H₂O)(1000)+974(lb. H₂O)

51,571=3450+20,444+1434(lb. H₂O), H₂O cooling=19.3 lb., Air=8/0.18=44.4 lb.

-   ∴ For H₂, 1 lb. H₂/44.4 lb. air/19.3 lb. H₂O=64.7 lb. thrust. (Note     this design requires a 10% increase in intake air compression system     capability while maintaining 1000° F. exhaust temperature.)     -   If the same air is used with no H₂O cooling, then the fuel is         reduced by 19,314/51,571=0.374,         19,314=3.45(0.374)(1000)+0.46(8/0.18)(0.374)(1000)+0.46(lb.         Air)(1000), Air(cooling)=22.6 lb.; Air combustion         8(0.374)/0.18=16.62 lb., total air=39.22 lb. -   ∴ For H₂ w/ air cooling, 0.37 lb. H₂/39.22 lb. Air=39.6 lb. Thrust,     a 5% reduction @ 1000° F. (39.22 lb. air/0.37 lb. H₂=106 lb. air/lb.     H₂ 2630 ft.³ air/lb. H₂. (Note this design requires a 160% increase     in intake air compression system capability to maintain 1000° F.     exhaust temperature.) -   ∴ Previous issues with H₂ are H₂ requires 160% more air per pound     than Kerosene to burn at the same temperature. H₂ requires an air     increase/air compressor capability increase to perform similar to     Kerosene.

Evaluation of Alternative Propulsion Options:

Sg of Liquid H₂=0.07; Sg of Liquid O₂=1.14; Sg of H₂O=1.00; Sg of K=0.80

-   -   0.8/0.07=11.4 times the volume; however at (51,571/19,314) 2.67         times the energy, 11.4/2.67=4.27 times the volume, say 4.3 times         the volume.         While every lb. of H₂O equals a lb. of thrust, there is no         thrust multiplication effect for the H₂O, as there is with fuel.         There is a benefit to create a hydrogen gel with H₂O instead of         the currently produced hydrogen methane gel. However, ice         sublimation energy will slightly reduce thrust:     -   19,314=3.45(0.374)(1000)+0.46(8/0.18)(0.374)(1000)+0.46(lb.         Air)(1000)+144(0.0374)+0.46 (0.0374)(1000)     -   10,355=460(lb. Air, Air (cooling)=22.5 lb.

-   ∴ Thrust=22.5+8/0.18(0.374)+0.374+0.0374=39.5 lb.

Moving to H₂ and O₂Systems w/ Air Cooling:

-   -   51,571=3.45(1)(1000)+0.44(8)(1000)+0.46 (lb. Air)(1000), Air         (cooling)=97 lb.

-   ∴ Thrust=105 lb., lb. Thrust/lb. fuel=105/9=11.67

Moving to H₂ and O₂Systems with H₂O Cooling:

-   -   51,571=3.45(1)(1000)+0.44(8)(1000)+0.46 (lb. H₂O)(1000)+144(lb.         H₂O)

-   ∴ H₂O (cooling)=73 lb.

-   ∴ Thrust=82 lb., lb. Thrust/lb. fuel=1.0     Both systems with O₂ could contain an O₂ gel with H₂O as the frozen     component. In all WCT applications, H₂ could be a H₂ gel with H₂O as     the frozen component. In rocket applications, the hydrogen could be     mixed with frozen water and with frozen oxygen to create a     hydrogen/oxygen/water gel. The molar ration of H₂/O₂ would be     preferably 2, and the amount of water in the gel would depend on the     cooling desired versus the acceptable explosivity of the gel.     (Extremely explosive mixture.) Hydrogen has a wide combustion     window, approximately 5 to 90% in air.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

-   1. Preferred operation is H₂ with air while stoichiometically     increasing the jet air intake for H₂ thermodynamics and/or to     operate with excess air for cooling. -   2. To increase thrust, H₂ with O₂ and excess air cooling is most     preferred. To increase thrust H₂, O₂ with H₂O is preferred. -   3. It is preferred to use H₂ and air at altitudes wherein there is     enough air available. H₂, O₂ and air is preferred at moderate     altitudes and high altitudes. H₂, O₂ and H₂O is preferred at all     altitudes and most preferred at very high altitudes, such as in a     space plane application. -   4. H₂, O₂ and air is preferred in after burn or high thrust     situations, thereby increasing thrust capability upwards of 150%     over that available with K or H₂ combined with air. -   5. H₂O is preferred to cool exhaust, thereby reducing the WCT heat     signature and the ability of a heat seeking missile to find the WCT.

Certain objects are set forth above and made apparent from the foregoing description. However, since certain changes may be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not in a limiting sense. With respect to the above description, it is to be realized that any descriptions, drawings and examples deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art and all equivalent relationships to those described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention, which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall in between. 

1. An engine comprising a mixture of oxygen, as O₂, and hydrogen, as H₂, wherein temperature of combustion is at least partially controlled with air to combustion in excess over that required to perform combustion, and wherein the excess air reduces at least one of the combustion temperature and formation of nitrogen oxides.
 2. The engine of claim 1, wherein mechanical rotating energy is created.
 3. The engine of claim 2, wherein at least a part of said rotating mechanical energy turns a generator to create electrical energy.
 4. The engine of claim 3, wherein at least a portion of said electrical energy is used in the electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen, and wherein at least a portion of at least one of the hydrogen and oxygen is used in said mixture.
 5. The engine of claim 1, wherein at least part of a steam produced by combustion turns a generator to create electrical energy.
 6. The engine of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of said electrical energy is used in the electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen, and wherein at least a portion of at least one of said hydrogen and oxygen is used in said mixture.
 7. The engine of claim 1, wherein said air to combustion flows through a compressor.
 8. The engine of claim 1, further comprising water in said mixture.
 9. The engine of claim 8, wherein said water comprises at least one selected from a list consisting of a: corrosion inhibitor, chelant, dispersant and any combination therein.
 10. The engine of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the steam produced by combustion is converted to hydrogen by the corrosion of at least one metal and wherein at least a portion of said hydrogen is used in said mixture.
 11. The engine of claim 10, wherein the conversion of said steam into said hydrogen is increased by an electrical current in said metal(s).
 12. The engine of claim 1, wherein a generator turns due to the movement of air or water, and wherein said generator creates electrical energy, and wherein said electrical energy is at least partially utilized in the electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen, and wherein at least a portion of at least one of said hydrogen and oxygen is used in said mixture.
 13. The engine of claim 1, wherein a photovoltaic cell creates electrical energy, and wherein said electrical energy is at least partially used in the electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen, and wherein at least a portion of at least one of said hydrogen and oxygen is used in said mixture.
 14. The engine of claim 1, further comprising at least one of: cryogenic air separation, membrane air separation, and PSA air separation, wherein said engine powers at least a portion of said air separation.
 15. The engine of claim 14, wherein the oxygen separated from air is at least one of enriched oxygen, pure oxygen and very pure oxygen, and wherein at least a portion of the oxygen separated from air is used in said mixture.
 16. The engine of claim 1, wherein at least one of oxygen and hydrogen is stored in at least one of a cooled gas state and a liquid state by liquefaction.
 17. The engine of claim 16, wherein compressor(s) for at least one of said cooling and liquefaction is powered by at least one of said engine and a fuel cell.
 18. The engine of claim 1, wherein at least one selected form a list consisting of: hydrogen, oxygen and water are preheated prior to combustion with the energy from at least one selected from a list consisting of: ambient temperature, said engine, said engine exhaust, an electrical radiant heat source and any combination therein.
 19. The engine of claim 2, wherein said mechanical rotating energy from said engine enters a transmission, wherein said transmission engage in a manner that is inversely proportional to at least one of the torque and work output of said engine, and wherein said transmission output mechanical rotating energy turn a generator to create electrical energy.
 20. The engine of claim 19, wherein said transmission engage a flywheel capable of storing rotational kinetic energy, wherein said flywheel turns said generator.
 21. The engine of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of said electrical energy is used in the electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen, and wherein at least a portion of at least one of said hydrogen and oxygen is used in said mixture.
 22. The engine of claim 1, wherein said engine is insulated.
 23. The engine of claim 1, further comprising jet propulsion.
 24. The engine of claim 24, wherein said engine exhaust is cooled with water.
 25. The engine of claim 1, further comprising rocket propulsion.
 26. The engine of claim 1, further comprising transportation. 